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

And the labor market pendulum could swing. —Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 3 May 2026

The study introduces a novel method for controlling quantum harmonic oscillators — systems that mimic vibrating objects such as springs or pendulums at the subatomic level. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026

In response to the recent popularity of matching sets, the pendulum is now swinging back the other way to favor more whimsical, unique outfits. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

Their 112-96 win over Denver, to go up 3-1 in this first-round Western Conference series, featured full pendulum swings of sentiment. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, noun derivative from neuter of Latin pendulus pendulous

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