momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈmen-təm 

mə-

plural momenta mō-ˈmen-tə 

mə-

or momentums

1

: a property (see property sense 1a) of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity

broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment

2

: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events

The wagon gained momentum as it rolled down the hill.

Synonyms of momentum

• impetus
• incentive
• encouragement
• motivation
• stimulus

Examples of momentum in a Sentence

The company has had a successful year and hopes to maintain its momentum by introducing new products.

The movie loses momentum toward the end.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stockton took an early 3-0 lead in the first period after getting Dyes off-balance with a shot; Dyes attempted to leave the circle to quell Stockton’s momentum, but Stockton grabbed Dyes’ leg and pulled him back in to complete the takedown. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2026

The Charlotte Hornets’ recent positive momentum is dissipating, some might say understandably so. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2026

Nearly a decade after being proposed, Leander's Northline project to give the city a downtown area is gaining momentum. —Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026

But there’s a countermovement in the show, the People Power Revolution that gains momentum after the assassination of Nimoy. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, movement

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing momentum

• angular momentum
• gather/gain momentum
• gather momentum/strength
• lose momentum
• pick up speed/momentum

Rhymes for momentum

• cementum
• omentum
• tegmentum
• tomentum
• argumentum
• sacramentum
• testamentum
• centum
• mentum

Kids Definition

momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm 

plural momenta -ˈment-ə  or momentums

1

: the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion

2

: impetus sense 1

Medical Definition

momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment- 

plural momenta -ˈment-ə  or momentums

: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity

broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force