momentum
noun
mo·men·tum
mō-ˈmen-təm 
mə-
plural momenta
mō-ˈmen-tə
mə-
or momentums
1
: a property (see property sense 1a) of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity
broadly
: a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment
2
: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events
The wagon gained momentum as it rolled down the hill.
Examples of momentum in a Sentence
The company has had a successful year and hopes to maintain its momentum by introducing new products.
The movie loses momentum toward the end.
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s where the Sharks’ momentum ended.
—
Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Giveaways plagued Denver to start the period and gave Seattle momentum, but Summit responded encouragingly, particularly after right back Ayo Oke subbed on in the 60th minute.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Betts subdued the momentum with a block on Booker’s layup attempt with 20 seconds left, and Rice then made two free throws, sending Close’s crew into the title game.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
However, his career momentum came to a halt when he was found guilty of one count of assault in the third degree and one count of harassment in the second degree in December 2023.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for momentum
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Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Giveaways plagued Denver to start the period and gave Seattle momentum, but Summit responded encouragingly, particularly after right back Ayo Oke subbed on in the 60th minute.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Betts subdued the momentum with a block on Booker’s layup attempt with 20 seconds left, and Rice then made two free throws, sending Close’s crew into the title game.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
However, his career momentum came to a halt when he was found guilty of one count of assault in the third degree and one count of harassment in the second degree in December 2023.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for momentum
Cite this Entry
“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/momentum. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
momentum
noun
mo·men·tum
mō-ˈment-əm
plural momenta
-ˈment-ə
or momentums
or momentums
1
: the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion
2
Medical Definition
momentum
noun
mo·men·tum
mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment-
plural momenta
-ˈment-ə
or momentums
or momentums
: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity
broadly
: a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force
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