gravity

noun

grav·​i·​ty ˈgra-və-tē How to pronounce gravity (audio)
plural gravities
often attributive
1
a
: dignity or sobriety of bearing
a person of gravity and learning
b
: importance, significance
especially : seriousness
the gravity of the offense
c
: a serious situation or problem
2
: weight
3
a(1)
: the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface
(2)
: a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions which occur because of mass between particles, between aggregations of matter (such as stars and planets), and between particles (such as photons) and aggregations of matter, that is 10-39 times the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over macroscopic distances especially between aggregations of matter

called also gravitation, gravitational force

compare electromagnetism sense 2a, strong force, weak force

Examples of gravity in a Sentence

the hospital waiting room was filled with the kind of gravity that inevitably accompanies worry
Recent Examples on the Web The assessment must take into account: The nature and gravity of the offense. Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 But by studying the moon’s chemical composition, geologic activity, gravity, magnetism and other properties, Clipper should be able to determine whether Europa has the right conditions to support life. Jay Bennett, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024 When a woman refuses to sign a DNR, Schmidt takes it upon himself to enlist the help of James (Michael Thomas Grant) to try and explain the gravity of her medical decision. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024 The hype is already feverish — with even analysts who disagree on Tesla acknowledging the gravity of the moment. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gravity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gravity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French gravité "heaviness, weight, dignity, seriousness," borrowed from Latin gravitāt-, gravitās "heaviness, weight, oppressiveness, severity, dignity, seriousness," from gravis "heavy, weighty, oppressive, serious" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at grave entry 2

First Known Use

1505, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of gravity was in 1505

Dictionary Entries Near gravity

Cite this Entry

“Gravity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravity. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

gravity

noun
grav·​i·​ty ˈgrav-ət-ē How to pronounce gravity (audio)
plural gravities
1
a
: the quality or state of being dignified and proper
b
: the quality or state of being important or serious
2
: weight
3
a
: the gravitational attraction of the mass of a heavenly body (as the earth) for bodies at or near its surface
b
: a force of attraction between particles or bodies that occurs because of their mass, is stronger as mass is increased, and is weaker as the distance between the objects is increased
Etymology

from early French gravité or Latin gravitas, both meaning "the quality or state of being serious or dignified, the quality of being weighty," from Latin gravis "heavy, serious" — related to aggravate, grave entry 3, grieve

Medical Definition

gravity

noun
grav·​i·​ty ˈgrav-ət-ē How to pronounce gravity (audio)
plural gravities
1
: weight sense 1
used chiefly in the phrase center of gravity
2
a
: the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface
broadly : gravitation
gravity adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gravity

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