noun

momentum

muh-MEHN-tuhm

noun

In physics, a measure of a moving object's motion, calculated as its mass multiplied by its velocity.

"The truck's momentum made it impossible to stop quickly."

The driving force or strength that builds up as something progresses.

"The campaign gained momentum after the debate."

"Once the project had momentum, more volunteers wanted to get involved."

How to Use Momentum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe force or drive behind movement or progress — literal in physics, figurative in everyday use.

Common pairings

gain momentum lose momentum build momentum political momentum

momentums plural, momenta plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The truck's _____ made it impossible to stop quickly.

Borrowed directly from Latin mōmentum, "movement, moving power" — the same root that gives us "moment."