center of gravity

noun phrase

1
: center of mass
2
: the point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position
3
: center sense 2a

Examples of center of gravity 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.
That means only light items go in the overhead cabinet to help keep the center of gravity lower. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 9 June 2026 The shape and low center of gravity offer more stability and safety for toddlers and young children compared to traditional balls. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 Not only did its now-familiar opening lines become its defining feature, but the Declaration’s center of gravity shifted from its complaints to its promise. — Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 More vehicles than ever have hoods that exceed the average American’s center of gravity, which is generally around the belly button. — New York Times, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for center of gravity

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of center of gravity was in 1633

Rhymes for center of gravity

See All Rhymes for center of gravity

Browse Nearby Words

center of flotation
center of gravity
center of inversion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Center of gravity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20of%20gravity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

center of gravity

: the point at which the entire weight of a body can be thought of as concentrated
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All