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

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• motivation
• provocation
• spur
• stimulant
• stimulus
• yeast

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

Pachuca finished the first half the stronger team and carried their forward momentum into a second half marred by a muscle injury to Salem Al-Dawsari, which threatens his availability for the round of 16. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 27 June 2025

Mischa Schoemaker—Pool/AFP/Getty Images The President swept into this Dutch seaside city on June 24 riding a wave of momentum on the global stage. —Massimo Calabresi, Time, 26 June 2025

What follows are ten stackable credential pathways that show strong return on investment, practical skill-building, and clear momentum for career mobility. —Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

There’s a clear goal — a Michelin star or bust — and genuine tension and momentum throughout. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025

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