dynamics

American  

[dahy-nam-iks] / daɪˈnæm ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion and equilibrium of systems under the action of forces, usually from outside the system.

2. (used with a plural verb) the motivating or driving forces, physical or moral, in any field.

3. (used with a plural verb) the pattern or history of growth, change, and development in any field.

4. (used with a plural verb) variation and gradation in the volume of musical sound.

5. (used with a singular verb) psychodynamics.

---

dynamics British  

/ daɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies Compare statics kinematics

2. (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics See statics kinetics

3. (functioning as singular) the branch of any science concerned with forces

4. those forces that produce change in any field or system

5. music

   1. the various degrees of loudness called for in performance

   2. Also called: dynamic marks.   dynamic markings.  directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness

---

dynamics Scientific  

/ dī-năm′ĭks /

1. The branch of physics that deals with the effects of forces on the motions of bodies.

2. Also called kinetics

3. Compare kinematics

---

Etymology

Origin of dynamics

First recorded in 1780–90; see origin at dynamic, -ics

Explanation

Dynamics refers to the branch of mechanics that deals with the movement of objects and the forces that drive that movement. If you're taking a physics class, you will likely study dynamics. Dynamics has its origins in the Greek word dynamis, "force, power." In physics, dynamics is the study of bodies in motion and changes in that motion, and that idea can be applied to other areas as well. For example, we refer to "group dynamics" as the way people interact and work together. George W. Bush once observed, "Globalization has altered the dynamics in the White House, as well as between the White House and the Treasury."

Example Sentences

Under this separation, Fellowship Entertainment is now home to companies such as Dark Horse Media and Crystal Dynamics, as well as IPs such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “Tomb Raider.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

General Dynamics recorded higher revenue in the first quarter, boosted by a jump in marine-systems sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Coming into Wednesday trading, General Dynamics shares were down 12% since the start of the Iran war, trailing the S&P 500 by about 15 percentage points.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

General Dynamics GD 0.37%increase; green up pointing triangle recorded higher revenue in the first quarter, boosted by a jump in marine-systems sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Dynamics are more of a performance issue than a music theory issue, so amplitude doesn't need much discussion here.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

• act
• gesture
• passage