moving

adjective

Definition of moving

1 a : marked by or capable of movement

b : of or relating to a change of residence

moving expenses

c : used for transferring furnishings from one residence to another

a moving van

d : involving a motor vehicle that is in motion

a moving violation

2 a : producing or transferring motion or action

b : stirring deeply in a way that evokes a strong emotional response

a moving story of a faithful dog

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movingly

play \ˈmü-viŋ-lē\ adverb

See moving defined for English-language learners

See moving defined for kids

Examples of moving in a Sentence

a moving story of a faithful dog
He gave a moving speech at the memorial service.

Recent Examples of moving from the Web

For years Shya broke though, catching the essential cool of Wong’s sublime scenes in his most moving work.

— jing zhang, The Hollywood Reporter, "Lust, Love and Longing: How a Hong Kong Photographer Captured Wong Kar-wai’s Cinematic Mood," 14 Nov. 2017
An outstanding cast; a profoundly moving evening of theater.

— Philly.com, "Theater: New and Noteworthy," 15 Oct. 2017
One of the most moving scenes in the Season 1 finale — and that’s saying something for this tear-jerker series — was from a flashback story of a long-simmering disagreement between Jack and Rebecca that results in at least a temporary split.

— bill keveney, USA TODAY, "Where did 'This Is Us' leave off, and what's ahead?," 26 Sep. 2017
The complete series is one of the most moving in contemporary American photography, and is absolutely pertinent to the present moment of debates about immigration and border crossings.

— holland cotter, will heinrich and martha schwendener, New York Times, "What to See in New York Art Galleries This Week," 18 Oct. 2017
The fourth-year head coach has installed more moving pocket concepts.

— andy benoit, SI.com, "Right Now, Deshaun Watson Is Good; Here’s Why He Has a Chance to Be Great," 30 Oct. 2017
Yet one of the most moving pieces in the show is a 1954 untitled painting of a horse and rider.

— julia couzens, sacbee, "Never before seen Diebenkorn works at the Crocker Museum | The Sacramento Bee," 26 Oct. 2017
Despite its many moving parts, the consortium has a simple goal, says Hannah Valantine, NIH’s chief officer for scientific workforce diversity.

— jeffrey mervis, Science | AAAS, "NIH-funded network struggles to use mentoring to foster diversity," 24 Oct. 2017
Burger King put out an anti-bullying PSA that's surprisingly moving and effective.

— luke darby, GQ, "This Weirdly Good Anti-Bullying PSA from Burger King Will Wreck Your Day," 22 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'moving.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of moving

14th century

moving Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of moving

moving, impressive, poignant, affecting, touching, pathetic mean having the power to produce deep emotion. moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

- a moving appeal for contributions

impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

- an impressive list of achievements

poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

- a poignant documentary on the homeless

affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

- an affecting deathbed reunion

touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

- the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

- pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

MOVING Defined for English Language Learners

moving

adjective

Definition of moving for English Language Learners

: changing place or position
: having a strong emotional effect : causing feelings of sadness or sympathy
: relating to the activity or process of moving to a different place to live or work