Definition of momentum
momenta
play \-ˈmen-tə\ ormomentums
1 : a property (see property 1a) of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass (see 2mass 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.
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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 of momentum from the Web
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There, the 5-foot-9 Urias’ focus is on lateral footwork and getting in position to allow momentum to take him toward first base on throws.
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For this family in Pemiscot County, crowding around their dazed puppy, the momentum was beginning to waver.
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After early momentum, Auburn really needs to land Miller or Fox - or both.
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USAFacts will also prepare custom reports driven by the government news cycle, so if tax reform gains momentum in Congress, for example, Ballmer’s group can show relevant data such as tax revenue and where it gets spent.
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A surprise cut in China’s debt rating by Moody’s Investors Service last week may mark a turning point for the world’s second-largest economy, as momentum weakens following a better-than-expected expansion in the first quarter.
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After allowing the Celtics to seize the early momentum in Game 4, the Cavs barely gave them the chance in Game 5.
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After allowing the Celtics to seize the early momentum in Game 4, the Cavaliers barely gave them the chance in Game 5.
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The mass of the object, and its angular momentum, would be the same as the two planets pre-collision.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'momentum'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of momentum
New Latin, from Latin, movement
First Known Use: 1610
Other Physics Terms
MOMENTUM Defined for English Language Learners
momentum
playDefinition of momentum for English Language Learners
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: the strength or force that something has when it is moving
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: the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes
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physics : the property that a moving object has due to its mass and its motion
MOMENTUM Defined for Kids
momentum
playDefinition of momentum for Students
: the force that a moving body has because of its weight and motion
Medical Dictionary
momentum
playMedical Definition of momentum
momenta
\-ˈment-ə\play ormomentums
: 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
Learn More about momentum
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See words that rhyme with momentum Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for momentum Spanish Central: Translation of momentum Nglish: Translation of momentum for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of momentum for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about momentum
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