pendulum

noun

pen·​du·​lum ˈpen-jə-ləm How to pronounce pendulum (audio)
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
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Ferrari’s announcement is more evidence that the pendulum has swung swiftly the other way. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025 In this state, trillions or more electrons effectively behave like a single entity, resembling the mass collections of atoms that form everyday objects like pendulums or billiard balls. Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 The industry shift comes as the pendulum of consumer taste swings from TV to YouTube. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 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 See All Example Sentences for pendulum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of pendulus

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pendulum was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Pendulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pendulum. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pendulum

noun
pen·​du·​lum ˈpen-jə-ləm How to pronounce pendulum (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pendulum

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