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

Aside from locomotion, scientists can equip the cockroaches to attain various other functions such as detection, localization, tracking, visual mapping, and data collection. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026

The researchers say the framework enables faster, more adaptable locomotion across unpredictable environments and could support future search-and-rescue, exploration, and other autonomous robotic missions. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

In 1973, scientists at Waseda University in Tokyo built WABOT-1, considered the first full-scale humanoid robot and capable of slow bipedal locomotion, grasping objects and simple communication. — Tim Hornyak, IEEE Spectrum, 4 July 2026

Swimming is metabolically the least expensive (near-neutral buoyancy needs no energy to support bodies), flying costs more, and running is the least efficient mode of animal and human locomotion. — Literary Hub, 22 June 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)