locomotion

noun

lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
1
: an act or the power of moving from place to place
2
: travel
interest in free locomotion and choice of occupationZechariah 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.
The race revealed that while bipedal locomotion technology has improved, issues like overheating, balance, and endurance remain significant challenges for robotics engineers. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025 Walking, riding, limping, trudging, scooting, strolling — all the various forms of low-speed locomotion — define the experience of being in New York. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025 Even the tiniest of living things are capable of some amazing forms of locomotion, and some come with highly sophisticated sensor suites and manage to source their energy from the environment. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025 Through automatic hardware detection and software modifications, the robot’s motion control system smoothly adjusts to changes in the foot end, guaranteeing seamless transitions between various locomotion modes. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Locomotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotion. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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)
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