dynamics
Americannoun
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(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.
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(used with a plural verb) the motivating or driving forces, physical or moral, in any field.
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(used with a plural verb) the pattern or history of growth, change, and development in any field.
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(used with a plural verb) variation and gradation in the volume of musical sound.
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(used with a singular verb) psychodynamics.
noun
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(functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies Compare statics kinematics
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(functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics See statics kinetics
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(functioning as singular) the branch of any science concerned with forces
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those forces that produce change in any field or system
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music
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the various degrees of loudness called for in performance
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Also called: dynamic marks. dynamic markings. directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness
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The branch of physics that deals with the effects of forces on the motions of bodies.
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Also called kinetics
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Compare kinematics
Etymology
Origin of dynamics
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."
Vocabulary lists containing dynamics
Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School
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Mechanical Engineering
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Engineering - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the two leaders are set to meet in Washington next month, adding to the diplomatic dynamics of the moment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
In 2021, the investment bank forecast that the market dynamics experienced during the disinflationary boom of 1982 until 2020 would be unlikely to last for the following eight to ten years.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 24, 2026
This movie is about family dynamics and love, sure.
From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026
In practice, these clauses don’t capture the complexity of surrogacy dynamics.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
Why do anything else when your lifestyle feeds you amply and supports a rich world of social structures, religious beliefs and political dynamics?
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
