slow-motion

1 of 2

adjective

ˈslō-ˈmō-shən 

: of, relating to, or being movie or video photography in which the action that has been photographed is made to appear to occur slower than it actually occurred

a slow-motion replay

also : slowly moving

a slow-motion dance

slow motion

2 of 2

noun

: slow-motion photography

Examples of slow-motion in a Sentence

Noun

The scene was shot in slow motion.

They showed the goal in slow motion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The 2nm Pro chip brings with it the usual performance bumps, but also the ability to record 4K 240fps slow-motion video. — Dominic Preston, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2026

Charleson’s professional life was shaped by a kind of slow-motion joke. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Noun

Nowadays VARs are most cautious about using slow motion in relation to handball and serious foul play, the term that covers challenges for the ball that deserve red cards. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Buying these ferns is like paying $20 to watch something die in slow motion. — Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for slow-motion

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

Kids Definition

slow motion

noun

: action in a film or television picture apparently taking place more slowly than it actually occurred

slow-motion adjective