movement

noun

move·​ment ˈmüv-mənt 

1

a(1)

: the act or process of moving

especially : change of place or position or posture

studying the movement of planets

(2)

: a particular instance or manner of moving

was entranced by her graceful movements

b(1)

: a tactical or strategic shifting of a military unit : maneuver

(2)

: the advance of a military unit

the steady movement of troops across the border

c

: action, activity

—usually used in plural

carefully watched the movements of the crowd

2

a

: tendency, trend

detected a movement toward fairer pricing

b

: a series of organized activities working toward an objective

also : an organized effort to promote or attain an end

the civil rights movement

a movement to increase the minimum wage

3

: the moving parts of a mechanism that transmit a definite motion

4

a

: motion sense 7

b

: the rhythmic character or quality of a musical composition

a dance movement

c

: a distinct structural unit or division having its own key, rhythmic structure, and themes and forming part of an extended musical composition

The symphony consisted of three movements.

d

: particular rhythmic flow of language : cadence

a poem's movement

5

a

: the quality (as in a painting or sculpture) of representing or suggesting motion

b

: the vibrant quality in literature that comes from elements that constantly hold a reader's interest (such as a quickly moving action-filled plot)

6

a

: an act of voiding (see void entry 3 sense 2a) the bowels : bowel movement sense 3a

b

: matter expelled from the bowels at one passage : stool sense 3a

Synonyms

• motion
• move
• shift
• shifting
• stir
• stirring

Example Sentences

He developed an efficient system for movement of raw materials to the factory.

studying the movements of the planets

We wore loose clothes to allow for easier movement.

the graceful movements of a dancer

The police have been keeping a careful record of his movements.

There's a movement afoot to rename the town.

a book about the history of the civil rights movement

They joined the antiwar movement.

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Recent Examples on the Web

In the early days of the movement, new programs were adopted infrequently and were designed to serve very few students. —Jason Bedrick, National Review, 4 Feb. 2023

But 2023’s version of the movement feels far more approachable. —Margaux Anbouba, ELLE, 2 Feb. 2023

And for others, freedom of movement and the ability to text and answer calls are top priorities. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2023

For instance, having good form in a deadlift will ensure you’re utilizing the muscles that should be working—your glutes, back, and hamstrings—and thus reaping the full benefits of the movement. —Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 2 Feb. 2023

Leaders of the movement decided to shift the focus away from violence, and rename it to bring attention to the healing that peace can bring. —Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2023

There are some promising signs of movement on this front. —Matt Ford, The New Republic, 31 Jan. 2023

The spread has had a lot of movement in the past week because of the health of Patrick Mahomes. —cleveland, 29 Jan. 2023

Writers and artists like Rushdie have played an important role in identifying and contesting disparities in freedom of movement. —Patrick Bixby, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing movement

• bowel movement
• euglenoid movement
• pincer movement
• rapid eye movement
• Oxford movement
• counter-movement
• rapid eye movement sleep

• bowel movement
• euglenoid movement
• pincer movement
• rapid eye movement
• Oxford movement
• counter-movement
• rapid eye movement sleep

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Kids Definition

movement

noun

move·​ment ˈmüv-mənt 

1

a

: the act or process of moving

b

: an instance or manner of moving

observe the movement of a star

2

: a tendency or trend

detected a movement toward fairer pricing

3

a

: a program or series of acts working toward a desired end

a movement for political reform

b

: the group taking part in such a series of acts

join the movement

4

: a mechanical arrangement (as of wheels) for causing a particular motion (as in a clock or watch)

5

: a section of a longer piece of music

6

: bowel movement

Medical Definition

movement

noun

move·​ment ˈmüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of moving

2

a

: an act of voiding the bowels : bowel movement

b

: matter expelled from the bowels at one passage : stool