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 then, as happens so often with this most enigmatic of bands, the pendulum swung back.
—
Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2026
The one-and-done solution makes for a routine that’s low-key enough to keep me from putting it off for another day, but still manages to keep the pendulum swinging in the right direction.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
As per calculations, the pendulum, when lifted to about seven inches (18 cm), generates 51 joules of energy.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
Or another extreme swing of the pendulum, guided by the ultrawealthy closing and opening their wallets?
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pendulum
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Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2026
The one-and-done solution makes for a routine that’s low-key enough to keep me from putting it off for another day, but still manages to keep the pendulum swinging in the right direction.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
As per calculations, the pendulum, when lifted to about seven inches (18 cm), generates 51 joules of energy.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
Or another extreme swing of the pendulum, guided by the ultrawealthy closing and opening their wallets?
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pendulum
Cite this Entry
“Pendulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pendulum. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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