# pendant

/ˈpɛndənt/ (US) · /pˈɛndənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pendant
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. jewellery

noun · CEFR B2

a piece of jewellery that hangs down, usually worn on a chain around the neck.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. hanging light fixture

noun · CEFR B2

a light or lamp that hangs down from the ceiling.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. architecture

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a decoration that hangs down from a ceiling or roof, often made of stone or wood.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. nautical rope or flag

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a short rope or a long, narrow flag used on a ship.

For teachers: 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: In the sense of a flag, it is often spelled and pronounced 'pennant'.

## Examples

- She wore a silver pendant on a thin chain.
- The jeweler carefully polished the emerald pendant before placing it in the display case.
- The locket served as a sentimental pendant, containing a faded photograph that she had carried with her since childhood.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.