locomotion

noun

lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən 

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

In collaboration with the Robotics & AI Institute, the robot has been subjected to complex full-body motions—including dynamic locomotion, aerial maneuvers, and recovery from instability—to stress-test its software stack. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026

Calling those who root for railways and live for locomotion! —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

So far, our thought process in this task usually involves adapting robots to match locomotors in nature or other existing locomotion technologies. —Etiido Uko march 21, New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2026

The ability to move rapidly in either direction, along with the flexibility and potential unpredictability of sideways locomotion, makes this an advantageous escape strategy. —Manjishtha Bhattacharyya, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin locus + English motion

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for locomotion

• commotion
• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• lotion
• notion
• ocean
• potion

Kids Definition

locomotion

noun

lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən 

: the act or power of moving from place to place

Medical Definition

locomotion

noun

lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən 

: an act or the power of moving from place to place : progressive movement (as of an animal body)