pendant

noun

pen·dant | \ ˈpen-dənt

; senses 3 & 4 are also ˈpe-nənt

, sense 5 is also päⁿ-ˈdäⁿ

variants: or less commonly pendent

Definition of pendant

1 : something suspended: such as

a : an ornament (as on a necklace) allowed to hang free A turquoise pendant hung on her necklace.

b : an electrical fixture suspended from the ceiling hung an incandescent light pendant from the ceiling over the reading area

2 : a hanging ornament of roofs or ceilings much used in the later styles of Gothic architecture

3 : a length of line usually used as a connector on a boat or ship especially : a short rope hanging from a spar and having at its free end a block or spliced thimble (see thimble sense 2a)

4 chiefly British : pennant sense 1a

5a : companion piece The portrait of his father is a pendant to the one of his mother.

b : something secondary or supplementary The illustration is an apt pendant to the poem.

Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about pendant

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

Most pendants are purely decorative. But a pendant may also hold a picture or a lock of hair of a lover or a child. And, perhaps because they hang protectively in front of the body and near the heart, pendants have often had symbolic and magical purposes. Thus, a pendant may be a charm or amulet, or its gems or metals may be felt to have health-giving properties. In architecture, a pendant is an ornament that hangs down from a structure, but unlike a necklace pendant it's usually solid and inflexible.

Examples of pendant in a Sentence

Navajo necklaces with pendants finely crafted in genuine sky-blue turquoise. a pendant that once flew on Nelson's flagship

Recent Examples on the Web

Start with a discreet, less grandiose overhead fixture—say, a pendant light with an alabaster globe that diffuses the glare. — Kathryn O’shea-evans, WSJ, "Goodbye, Showy Chandeliers. Hello, Low-Key Lighting That Transforms Rooms," 25 Jan. 2019 The dark counters add a level of sophistication, and the OTTAVA pendant light makes a statement over the island. — Jessica Dailey, Good Housekeeping, "Your Style," 11 Feb. 2019 Kitted out with marble tables and ’70s-style globe pendant lamps, Po is known for embellishing homestyle classics. — Robyn Eckhardt, WSJ, "Two Strategic Days in Singapore: Where to Splurge, Where to Save," 4 Jan. 2019 With a light source that's almost 7 feet away from the base, the Arco can illuminate a dining table or large sofa from above, like a pendant light on a base. — Maggie Burch, House Beautiful, "The Arco Floor Lamp Is the Perfect Solution for Rooms Without Overhead Lighting," 5 Feb. 2019 The oil painting by artist Nicky Philipps shows Her Majesty looking very regal in ceremonial robes and Order of Thistle collar, which features a pendant of St. Andrews — the highest order of chivalry in Scotland, says People. — Isabel Greenberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Queen Elizabeth II Has a Regal New Portrait in Scotland," 30 Nov. 2018 The pendant more than tripled the previous world auction record for a pearl, which was held by a necklace that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Marie Antoinette's Pearl Pendant Sells for a Record-Breaking $36 Million at Auction," 15 Nov. 2018 Lighting makes a huge difference, too: Recessed lights cost about $150 a piece to install, and over-the-island pendants start around $150. — Brett Martin, House Beautiful, "What A Kitchen Renovation Actually Costs," 13 July 2018 The links represent a single thistle and four interlinked sprigs of rue, and a pendant portraying St. Andrew carrying the cross of his martyrdom hangs down the center, according to the royal family. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince William's Super Ornate Outfit in Scotland Is Full of Royal Symbolism," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pendant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.