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
Makeup is swinging back toward the bold side of the pendulum.
—
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
According to Siesing, the design pendulum began to swing back in favor of mass production about six decades later.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
The pendulum is swinging back to add value to running backs, especially dual-threat running backs like McCaffrey, Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and De’Von Achane.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Sofi and Jordan rekindle friendships and more against a gorgeous backdrop as the pendulum swings between reconciliation and rupture.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pendulum
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Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
According to Siesing, the design pendulum began to swing back in favor of mass production about six decades later.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
The pendulum is swinging back to add value to running backs, especially dual-threat running backs like McCaffrey, Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and De’Von Achane.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Sofi and Jordan rekindle friendships and more against a gorgeous backdrop as the pendulum swings between reconciliation and rupture.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 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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