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

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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 one demonstration, the robot held a basketball positioned away from its center of gravity. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 Hollywood’s center of gravity is increasingly tilting to the East Coast. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Together, the changes signaled a broader shift in Google’s AI center of gravity, moving away from London and toward California, fueling speculation the tech giant was beginning to prioritize commercializing AI over research. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 14 Oct. 2026 The model showed that one effective way to pull a sled loaded with material is for a dog to lower its center of gravity. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 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 20 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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