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

The pendulum, long skewed toward excess, may finally be swinging back. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

When the pendulum stops swinging Until, that is, some other force comes along to disrupt the pattern. —Jennifer Victor, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025

Yet, the pendulum may be shifting back toward a more balanced approach. —David Brown, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

The attraction has two side-by-side gondolas that seat 16 people apiece and move in pendulum style, gradually reaching a completely upside-down status and a moment of weightlessness, before going, well, overboard. —Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of pendulus

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pendulum

• Foucault pendulum

Kids 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