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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Firms that aligned with the president are preparing for a political pendulum swing — and a potential barrage of investigations. — Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 His surprise victory raises a broader question about whether the rightward shift is a lasting wave or part of a political pendulum. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 After a brief respite in the 2010s when body-positivity and neutrality were in vogue, the pendulum has swung back with a vengeance. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026 Kaplan had replaced the neoliberal UK politico Nick Clegg just as the political pendulum was swinging and companies were rushing to add MAGA credentials to their boardrooms and executive ranks. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pendulum

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pendulum was in 1660

Phrases Containing pendulum

Browse Nearby Words

pendulous crop
pendulum
pendulum gun
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pendulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pendulum. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pendulum

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