gravity
noun
grav·i·ty
ˈgra-və-tē 
plural gravities
often attributive
1
a
: dignity or sobriety of bearing
a person of gravity and learning
b
c
: a serious situation or problem
2
: weight
3
a(1)
: the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface
(2)
: a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions which occur because of mass between particles, between aggregations of matter (such as stars and planets), and between particles (such as photons) and aggregations of matter, that is 10-39 times the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over macroscopic distances especially between aggregations of matter
called also gravitation, gravitational force
compare electromagnetism sense 2a, strong force, weak force
c
Synonyms
Examples of gravity in a Sentence
the hospital waiting room was filled with the kind of gravity that inevitably accompanies worry
Recent Examples on the Web
To be sure, the laws of political gravity will still apply; even a compliant Congress will give Trump some pushback.
—
Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Her words are measured, her tone comforting yet firm, reflecting the gravity and sensitivity of her work.
—Tyler Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Additionally, the lack of gravity causes bones to lose minerals at a faster rate, leading to bone density loss.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2024
Neptune’s gravity is slowly sapping energy from Triton, causing the moon to inch closer to Neptune.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
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Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Her words are measured, her tone comforting yet firm, reflecting the gravity and sensitivity of her work.
—Tyler Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Additionally, the lack of gravity causes bones to lose minerals at a faster rate, leading to bone density loss.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2024
Neptune’s gravity is slowly sapping energy from Triton, causing the moon to inch closer to Neptune.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gravity
Articles Related to gravity
Dictionary Entries Near gravity
Cite this Entry
“Gravity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravity. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gravity
noun
grav·i·ty
ˈgrav-ət-ē
plural gravities
1
a
: the quality or state of being dignified and proper
b
: the quality or state of being important or serious
2
: weight
3
a
: the gravitational attraction of the mass of a heavenly body (as the earth) for bodies at or near its surface
b
: a force of attraction between particles or bodies that occurs because of their mass, is stronger as mass is increased, and is weaker as the distance between the objects is increased
Etymology
from early French gravité or Latin gravitas, both meaning "the quality or state of being serious or dignified, the quality of being weighty," from Latin gravis "heavy, serious" — related to aggravate, grave entry 3, grieve
Medical Definition
gravity
noun
grav·i·ty
ˈgrav-ət-ē
plural gravities
1
: weight sense 1
—used chiefly in the phrase center of gravity
2
a
: the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface
broadly
: gravitation
c
gravity
adjective
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