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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:

The Elcans filed a summary judgment motion, requesting that the Tax Court reject the IRS’s position, and are awaiting a decision.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 21, 2026

Herbert dropped back into shotgun and sent Tre’ Harris in motion from right to left.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 20, 2026

It matched how quickly sea ice spreads, the range of speeds at which individual floes move, and the way ice motion changes over periods ranging from hours to days.

From Science Daily Sep. 18, 2026

Another letter, also seen by BBC Sport, has been sent to the presidents of the other confederations - Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania - asking them to support the motion.

From BBC Sep. 18, 2026

In ghostly slow motion, I could see her running with mane and tail blowing in the breeze.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Judge Sean P. Lugg denied both motions this year, a ruling upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 9, 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

The letter comes days before the parties are expected to submit new motions asking the judge to rule in their favor on at least some of their core arguments, after completing discovery.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 2, 2026

Built and operated by the NSO in Hawaii, the telescope provided images detailed enough to expose plasma motions that had never previously been visible.

From Science Daily Aug. 8, 2026

He slips on a black suit of armor and motions his hand.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

She motioned to the Egyptian busts and said: "These heads, they talk to me."

From BBC Jul. 17, 2026

Finally, he motioned the audience to stop, like, “OK. OK. Enough. Let’s go have dinner and a drink.”

From Los Angeles Times May 11, 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

Callaway chuckled and motioned with his hand for us to follow him as he climbed out of the boat and onto the rock-covered shore.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

He visits the bakery often and waits for his food “literally where the car is right now,” he said, motioning to where tables and chairs are normally placed for customers.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 6, 2026

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

When that didn’t work, Medvedev started motioning for the spectators to quiet down.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 25, 2025

“Aquí no,” she snaps, motioning with her head toward Papi’s study.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez




Vocabulary lists containing motion


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