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Definitions

motion

[moh-shuhn] / ˈmoʊ ʃən /




Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for motion?  
Motion most commonly means movement. To set in motion means to cause something to start moving. It’s usually used in a figurative way meaning to start, initiate, or cause something to begin (the phrase often implies that it’s something that might not be able to be stopped once it’s started). A person’s (or animal’s) motion while walking is called their gait. Sometimes, a motion is a gesture. Both words can also be used as verbs, as in He motioned/gestured toward the door. The word nod is used in reference to a motion or gesture made with the head. Nod can also be used as a verb or a noun. In the context of a formal meeting, a motion is a formally made proposal or suggestion. Such motions often must be “seconded” (agreed with by one other person) to be considered. In this context, motion can also be used as a verb. The verb propose is a synonym.
What is the difference between motion and movement?  
The words motion and movement are very similar. Both can be used generally to indicate that the things being observed are moving, though movement is perhaps more general. For example, you might point out the movement of the trees during a windstorm, or comment on the lively movement of people at a train station. Both can also be applied in the context of a single thing that’s moving. Motion is perhaps more common when discussing the mechanics of how something moves. For example, astronomers study the motion of the planets. Motion may be more commonly used in descriptions of specific types of moving, as in a swinging motion or a running motion. Motion is used in the phrase in motion, which is used to describe something that’s moving. Of course, motion and movement both have many other more specific meanings, such as a formal motion during a meeting, a movement in a piece of music, or a social movement.

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.

See Examples For:

Pitchers deliver the ball with their heads and several other body parts in motion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

"While this was an experiment-driven discovery, our theoretical work provided the molecular-level interpretation needed to translate the X-ray measurements into a detailed picture of the underlying coordination between proton, electron and solvent motion."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

The European Green Party, of which the Green Party for England and Wales is a member, released a statement on Monday saying it wanted to "unequivocally distance" itself from the motion.

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

In 2022, however, a Colorado trial court denied Suncor’s motion to dismiss.

From Slate ● Oct. 5, 2026

Magic yanked both of Duane’s arms, causing him to bend forward and so creating just enough weight on the front end of the toboggan to tip it into motion.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Professors and students seem to be going through the motions of learning, so there’s a huge structural problem.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

Then begins the methodical massage in circular motions seemingly draining fluid away.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

A lawyer herself, Harris notes that because the country already has 13 intermediate courts of appeal, a 13-member Supreme Court would allow each justice to review motions from a lower court one-to-one.

From Slate ● Sep. 3, 2026

Boys are more likely than girls to display autistic traits like lack of eye contact and repetitive motions such as rocking or hand-flapping.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

While we wait, Ben motions to a steel door with a flashing blue light, its latch encased within a clear locked box.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Within seconds of our arrival, they motioned for us to stop filming.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

During a dinner in September with heads of major technology companies, Trump took questions from the press and motioned with his hand for a reporter to speak up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 1, 2026

Baffert said as he stood in the winner’s circle and motioned to the grandstand, which was crowded with an announced 41,962 fans, the largest opening day audience since 2016.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 28, 2025

Soldiers were always nearby when AFP spoke to locals and on one occasion in Bariire motioned a woman to say no when asked if she feared Al-Shabaab's possible return.

From Barron's ● Nov. 18, 2025

Regan called out, and Callaway motioned at her to be quiet, his normally jovial face tight with worry.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

After seeing three tries ruled out by the television match official, Freeman and Henry Pollock both celebrated undeniable scores by motioning for a video review.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025

"Ok," said Trump as Rubio went back to his seat, motioning for reporters to be quiet as they shouted questions.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2025

“He did something that very few directors do, where they come and sit by the camera,” recalls Hoult, motioning to indicate just how close the 94-year-old director would be to him on set.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2024

Homendy said she keeps hearing about the cost, but motioning to the grieving families, she added, “This is the cost.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2024

Avoiding Heqet’s curious eye, he reached for a pair of snippers, motioning the other to do the same.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw




Vocabulary lists containing motion


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