Word
Definitions
01jewellery
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a piece of jewellery that hangs down, usually worn on a chain around the neck.
n. an ornament allowed to hang free, especially one worn on a necklace.
“She wore a simple gold pendant that her grandmother had given her.”
“The auction house featured a rare sapphire pendant suspended from a delicate platinum chain of Edwardian design.”
02hanging light fixture
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a light or lamp that hangs down from the ceiling.
n. a light fixture that is suspended from the ceiling, often by a cord, chain, or metal rod.
“We installed three modern pendants over the kitchen island for better light.”
“The interior designer selected industrial-style pendants to provide focused task lighting above the communal dining table.”
Synonyms
03architecture
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Architecture Technical
n. a decoration that hangs down from a ceiling or roof, often made of stone or wood.
n. a hanging ornament used in Gothic architecture, typically terminating a boss or a vaulting rib.
“The old cathedral ceiling was covered in beautiful stone pendants.”
“The fan vaulting of the chapel is celebrated for its intricate stone pendants that appear to defy gravity.”
04nautical rope or flag
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a short rope or a long, narrow flag used on a ship.
n. a short length of rope with a thimble or block at the end; also a long, tapering flag flown from a masthead.
“The sailors secured the heavy equipment using a thick rope pendant.”
“The captain ordered the signal pendant to be raised to communicate with the approaching vessel.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of jewelry; in architecture, it describes a suspended decorative element.
Pitfall
He is such a pendant about grammar.
He is such a pedant about grammar.
Learners often confuse 'pendant' (jewelry) with 'pedant' (a person who is obsessed with minor rules).
Real-World Examples
“The bear tooth pendant is much less common.” “To go full boho, layer in antique pendants and a statement belt to match.” “The small shade size is ideal for a table lampshade, while the larger option is great for pendants and floor lamps.” Etymology
From Anglo-Norman pendaunt, Middle French pendant, noun use of adjective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pendant
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR