Pendant

/ˈpɛndənt/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

An ornamental piece of jewelry, often made of precious metal, that hangs from a necklace.

/ˈpɛndənt/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck.

The bride wore a beautiful pearl pendant on her wedding day.

💡 Simply: Imagine a necklace with a pretty charm that hangs down – that's a pendant! Like your favorite superhero's logo on a chain.

👶 For kids: A pretty thing that hangs on a necklace.

More Examples

2

He bought her a silver pendant shaped like a heart.

3

The ancient pendant was discovered during an archaeological dig.

How It's Used

Fashion

"She wore a gold pendant with a diamond in the center."

Jewelry

"The antique pendant was a family heirloom."

2

Hanging down; suspended, especially for decoration or adornment.

/ˈpɛndənt/

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Hanging down; suspended.

The pendant chandelier cast a soft glow over the dining table.

💡 Simply: Something that's hanging down, like a cool light fixture dangling from the ceiling.

👶 For kids: Something that is hanging down.

More Examples

2

Pendant earrings swayed with every step she took.

3

The artist used pendant drapes to create a dramatic effect.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The architect designed pendant arches to support the ceiling."

Decorative Arts

"Pendant lighting creates a warm atmosphere in the room."

Tip:Relate it to the noun form; a pendant hangs, therefore this describes something that hangs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Old French *pendant* meaning 'hanging' or 'pending', from the verb *pendre* meaning 'to hang', from Latin *pendēre*.

Historically used in both its noun and adjective forms, particularly in architectural and decorative contexts. Found in texts from the 14th century onward.

Memory tip

Think of a **pend**ulum, it **dangles**.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to hang"

gold pendantsilver pendantpendant lightpendant earrings

Common misspellings

pendentpendants

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written