locomotion

noun

lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
Synonyms of locomotionnext
1
: an act or the power of moving from place to place
2
: travel
… interest in free locomotion and choice of occupation.—Zechariah Chafee Jr.

Examples of locomotion in a Sentence

Walking is one form of locomotion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This change allowed for more efficient locomotion, reducing drag as the body moved across the ground. — The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 As with the garden snails, there is one that acts as a lubricant to help with locomotion and an adhesive mucus to help the snail stick to various surfaces. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 Importantly, the robot maintained stable locomotion throughout testing, showing that the AI controller could effectively harness passive energy stored in the compliant feet without introducing instability or excessive corrective movements. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Its locomotion is built around a four-wheel omnidirectional drivetrain, with its metal-core Mecanum wheels cased in rubber offering 360-degree movement. — New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for locomotion

Word History

Etymology

Latin locus + English motion

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of locomotion was in 1646

Rhymes for locomotion

See All Rhymes for locomotion

Browse Nearby Words

locomote
locomotion
locomotive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Locomotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotion. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
: the act or power of moving from place to place

Medical Definition

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
: an act or the power of moving from place to place : progressive movement (as of an animal body)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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