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 cottage also reflects how the pendulum has swung from polished spaces to a more personal style that’s all about comfort. —Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

The pendulum hasn’t swung all the way back yet, but between the push for profitability at streamers and the recent spate of network hits, there’s a sense in the industry that network TV’s scripted-development engine still has value as a content pipeline for streamers — today and in the future. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024

Knightly's example demonstrates the pendulum swing of body-shaming. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Many bankers believe that the pendulum has swung too far – the hurdles impeding consolidation are hurting instead of invigorating the industry. —Michael Abbott, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

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