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
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
Stanford storylines: After six straight losses – five by at least 24 points – the Cardinal hope to finish strong after the bye week in its final home game, or at least regain some momentum with the Big Game on deck.
—
Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
As momentum built around the bill, the real-estate industry went nuts.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
As the Rams have gotten accustomed to life without star wideout Tory Horton (season-ending surgery), the Air Raid has taken a back seat to establishing tempo and momentum on the ground.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Stocks continued their rally, fueled by momentum from Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for momentum 
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Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
As momentum built around the bill, the real-estate industry went nuts.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
As the Rams have gotten accustomed to life without star wideout Tory Horton (season-ending surgery), the Air Raid has taken a back seat to establishing tempo and momentum on the ground.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Stocks continued their rally, fueled by momentum from Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for momentum
Dictionary Entries Near momentum
Cite this Entry
“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/momentum. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
momentum
noun
mo·men·tum
mō-ˈment-əm
plural momenta
-ˈment-ə
or momentums
or momentums
1
: the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion
2
Medical Definition
momentum
noun
mo·men·tum
mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment-
plural momenta
-ˈment-ə
or momentums
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
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