English Reference
noun

momentum

n.
US /moʊˈmɛntəm/ UK /məʊmˈɛntəm/ mo·men·tum UK spelling momentums

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the force that a moving object has because of its weight and speed.

    the product of the mass and velocity of an object. Uncountable in its general physical sense; countable when referring to specific vectors.

    Simple

    The heavy sled gained momentum as it slid down the snowy hill.

    In context

    In classical mechanics, the total momentum of a closed system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way a project or idea keeps growing and moving forward faster.

    the impetus or driving force gained by a course of events or a social movement.

    Simple

    The political campaign gathered momentum after the candidate won the first debate.

    In context

    The reform movement lost momentum following the sudden resignation of its most charismatic and influential leader.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    the speed at which the price of a stock or asset is changing.

    the rate of acceleration of an asset's price or volume, often used as an indicator in technical analysis.

    Simple

    Investors are looking for stocks with strong upward momentum this quarter.

    In context

    Momentum traders often enter positions when they identify a clear trend, hoping to capitalise on the continued movement of the asset's price.

This is to prevent players trying to break up the opposition's momentum.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

The present-day narrative gathers momentum when Jaycee unexpectedly reconnects with Sol, a boy who offered her a rare glimpse of tenderness at secondary school before circumstance tore them apart.

The Guardian· 6 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated