pendulum

noun

pen·​du·​lum ˈpen-jə-ləm 

ˈpen-dyə-,

-də-

1

: a body suspended from a fixed point so as to swing freely to and fro under the action of gravity and commonly used to regulate movements (as of clockwork)

2

: something (such as a state of affairs) that alternates between opposites

doesn't take much to swing the pendulum of opinion the other way

Examples of pendulum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bartenders and rowdy regulars swing the hanging globe lights that hang like pendulums above the bar. —The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 28 June 2024

But hold on to that silver, people, the pendulum is mid-swing back in its direction. —Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2024

Spates cited as another example of the pendulum swinging back: In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation last year that largely banned Florida’s public universities and colleges from spending money on DEI initiatives. —Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press, 19 June 2024

The 660-ton pendulum hangs over 1,000 feet above the ground and allows the structure to withstand tremors and typhoon winds. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of pendulus

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pendulum

• Foucault pendulum

Kids Definition

pendulum

noun

pen·​du·​lum ˈpen-jə-ləm 

: a body hung from a fixed point so as to swing freely back and forth under the action of gravity

Etymology

from scientific Latin pendulum "something suspended so as to swing freely," from Latin pendulus "suspended," from pendēre "to hang" — related to depend, perpendicular