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
There’s an innate belief that completing easy tasks first will create a sense of accomplishment and provide the momentum needed to confront more challenging tasks later in the day.
—
Mark Settle, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Some are lucky to have a strong start that continues to build momentum, but for me, it’s been more gradual.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
Instead, the momentum of the match shifted early in the second set, when Pavlyuchenkova broke for 2-1.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Seeking to seize momentum, Trump proposed a dizzying array of executive orders on immigration, economics and culture wars— issues that catapulted him to victory in the 2024 election.
—Kizzy Cox, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for momentum 
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Mark Settle, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Some are lucky to have a strong start that continues to build momentum, but for me, it’s been more gradual.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
Instead, the momentum of the match shifted early in the second set, when Pavlyuchenkova broke for 2-1.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Seeking to seize momentum, Trump proposed a dizzying array of executive orders on immigration, economics and culture wars— issues that catapulted him to victory in the 2024 election.
—Kizzy Cox, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025
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 Jan. 2025.
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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