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

Because that pendulum swings the other way, too. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025

Designer Eleanor Tate Trepte of Dekay & Tate predicts the pendulum is going to swing the other way, and that more classic finishes like polished nickel and chrome are poised for a comeback. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

The pendulum has swung back, the diversity buzzwords have evaporated, and the town is acting allergic to melanin. —Rochée Jeffrey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

But after years of being told that college was a necessity to get a good job, the pendulum may be swinging the other way. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025

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