pendant
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a piece of jewellery that hangs down, usually worn on a chain around the neck.
an ornament allowed to hang free, especially one worn on a necklace.
Simple“She wore a simple gold pendant that her grandmother had given her.”
In context“The auction house featured a rare sapphire pendant suspended from a delicate platinum chain of Edwardian design.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a light or lamp that hangs down from the ceiling.
a light fixture that is suspended from the ceiling, often by a cord, chain, or metal rod.
Simple“We installed three modern pendants over the kitchen island for better light.”
In context“The interior designer selected industrial-style pendants to provide focused task lighting above the communal dining table.”
Synonymschandelierhanging lamp - 03 C2 Proficiency
a decoration that hangs down from a ceiling or roof, often made of stone or wood.
a hanging ornament used in Gothic architecture, typically terminating a boss or a vaulting rib.
Simple“The old cathedral ceiling was covered in beautiful stone pendants.”
In context“The fan vaulting of the chapel is celebrated for its intricate stone pendants that appear to defy gravity.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a short rope or a long, narrow flag used on a ship.
a short length of rope with a thimble or block at the end; also a long, tapering flag flown from a masthead.
Simple“The sailors secured the heavy equipment using a thick rope pendant.”
In context“The captain ordered the signal pendant to be raised to communicate with the approaching vessel.”
UsageIn the sense of a flag, it is often spelled and pronounced 'pennant'.
“The bear tooth pendant is much less common.”
From Anglo-Norman pendaunt, Middle French pendant, noun use of adjective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.