traction
noun
trac·tion
ˈtrak-shən 
1
a
: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves
the traction of a wheel on a rail
b
: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device
a traction splint
also
: a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction
2
: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn
also
: the force exerted in drawing
3
: the support or interest that is needed for something to make progress or succeed
a product that is starting to gain traction among consumers
… the litmus test issues of abortion and gay marriage have been losing traction, subordinated to the Iraq war and terrorism.—
Thomas B. Edsall
Thomas B. EdsallAs many economists have noted, cutting spending is the worst thing people with means can do for the economy right now. But that argument seems to have little traction, especially because even those with steady paychecks and no fear of losing their job have seen their net worth decline and their retirement savings evaporate.—Shaila Dewan
Shaila Dewan4
: the drawing of a vehicle by motive power
also
: the motive power employed
Did you know?
A tractor is something that pulls something else. We usually use the word for a piece of farm machinery, but it's also the name of the part of a big truck that includes the engine and the cab. Tractors get terrific traction, because of their powerful engines and the deep ridges on their huge wheels. A cross-country skier needs traction to kick herself forward, but doesn't want it to slow her down when she's gliding, so the bottom of the skis may have a "fish-scale" surface that permits both of these at the same time.
Examples of traction in a Sentence
These tires get good traction on wet roads.
A patch of ice caused the car to lose traction.
She was in traction for three weeks after she broke her hip.
The bill failed to gain traction in the Senate.
We didn't get traction on this idea until the board took interest.
Recent Examples on the Web
But the offering is starting to gain more traction, with some advertisers acting as if their commercials will be seen by the TV millions.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Drift racers intentionally oversteer to the point of losing traction while maintaining control of the car.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Skimo racers sprint uphill on a steep course using skins on their skis for traction.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026
League sources told The Denver Post as the clock ticked inside of 24 hours that there may be traction on a deal that would have Hunter Tyson on the move, though Denver’s front office has looked into multiple options.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for traction
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Drift racers intentionally oversteer to the point of losing traction while maintaining control of the car.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Skimo racers sprint uphill on a steep course using skins on their skis for traction.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026
League sources told The Denver Post as the clock ticked inside of 24 hours that there may be traction on a deal that would have Hunter Tyson on the move, though Denver’s front office has looked into multiple options.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for traction
Cite this Entry
“Traction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traction. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
traction
noun
trac·tion
ˈtrak-shən
1
: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn
2
: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves (as of a wheel on a rail)
3
: a pulling force applied to a skeletal structure (as a broken bone) by using a special device
a traction splint
also
: a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction
Medical Definition
traction
noun
trac·tion
ˈtrak-shən
1
: the pulling of or tension established in one body part by another
2
: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device or apparatus
a traction splint
also
: a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction
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