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.

Synonyms

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• motivation
• provocation
• spur
• stimulant
• stimulus
• yeast

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

The real momentum for the ERA lies in the states, mirroring the reproductive rights strategy since Dobbs, says Ting Ting Cheng, the director of the Equal Rights Amendment Project at Columbia University Law School. —Natalie Daher, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025

Next up is the challenge of extending the momentum instead of letting the pendulum swing back wildly again. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025

The goal is to finish back on top of the Big Sky, to win playoff games and to use rolling momentum in the school’s quest to move up from the FCS level to the FBS ranks. —Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025

Keep momentum going by continuously refining their products. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, movement

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing momentum

• angular momentum
• gather/gain momentum
• gather momentum/strength
• lose momentum
• pick up speed/momentum

Rhymes for momentum

• cementum
• omentum
• tegmentum
• tomentum
• argumentum
• sacramentum
• testamentum
• centum
• mentum

Kids Definition

momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm 

plural momenta -ˈment-ə  or momentums

1

: the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion

2

: impetus sense 1

Medical Definition

momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment- 

plural momenta -ˈment-ə  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