momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce momentum (audio)
mə-
plural momenta mō-ˈmen-tə How to pronounce momentum (audio)
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Deals and hiring happen fast, and the company’s momentum compounds. Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 The special teams play helped Los Alamitos zap the momentum of Edison, which took its first lead in the middle of the second quarter. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 That indicates Frank recognises when to keep using the same players to maintain momentum. Mark Carey, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 The Blue Jays will be hoping to ride their momentum and take the series lead for the first time. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for momentum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, movement

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of momentum was in 1610

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/momentum. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

momentum

noun
mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm How to pronounce momentum (audio)
plural momenta -ˈment-ə How to pronounce momentum (audio) or momentums
1
: the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion
2

Medical Definition

momentum

noun
mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment- How to pronounce momentum (audio)
plural momenta -ˈment-ə How to pronounce momentum (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on momentum

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