center of gravity

noun phrase

1
: center of mass
2
: the point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position
3
: center sense 2a

Examples of center of gravity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the years that followed, American comedy’s center of gravity, both in hip performance venues and onscreen, shifted to improvisation. — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 In recent years, adult and returning learners have moved from the margins of higher education closer to its center of gravity. — Ruth Bauer, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 Georgia’s political center of gravity is shifting from rural communities that produced generations of the state’s most powerful leaders toward Atlanta and its sprawling suburbs. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Domenach said one of the most significant departures from the graphic novel was shifting the center of gravity toward the female characters. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for center of gravity

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of center of gravity was in 1633

Rhymes for center of gravity

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Browse Nearby Words

center of flotation
center of gravity
center of inversion
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Cite this Entry

“Center of gravity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20of%20gravity. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

center of gravity

: the point at which the entire weight of a body can be thought of as concentrated
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