traction

noun

trac·​tion ˈtrak-shən 

1

a

: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves

the traction of a wheel on a rail

b

: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device

a traction splint

also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force

a leg in traction

2

: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn

also : the force exerted in drawing

3

: the support or interest that is needed for something to make progress or succeed

a product that is starting to gain traction among consumers

… the litmus test issues of abortion and gay marriage have been losing traction, subordinated to the Iraq war and terrorism.

—Thomas B. Edsall

As many economists have noted, cutting spending is the worst thing people with means can do for the economy right now. But that argument seems to have little traction, especially because even those with steady paychecks and no fear of losing their job have seen their net worth decline and their retirement savings evaporate.

—Shaila Dewan

4

: the drawing of a vehicle by motive power

also : the motive power employed

tractional

ˈtrak-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Did you know?

A tractor is something that pulls something else. We usually use the word for a piece of farm machinery, but it's also the name of the part of a big truck that includes the engine and the cab. Tractors get terrific traction, because of their powerful engines and the deep ridges on their huge wheels. A cross-country skier needs traction to kick herself forward, but doesn't want it to slow her down when she's gliding, so the bottom of the skis may have a "fish-scale" surface that permits both of these at the same time.

Examples of traction in a Sentence

These tires get good traction on wet roads.

A patch of ice caused the car to lose traction.

She was in traction for three weeks after she broke her hip.

The bill failed to gain traction in the Senate.

We didn't get traction on this idea until the board took interest.

Recent Examples on the Web

When Tian’s solo project began gaining traction, Cui was pursuing a master’s in computer science and machine learning at the University of Toronto and working on autonomous-vehicle research. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Separately, a bipartisan permitting reform bill gaining traction in Congress would also weaken those protections. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

Its release comes as Democratic voters grow more skeptical of Israel and candidates who favor ending military aid gain traction ahead of midterm elections and the next presidential campaign. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Licensing amplifies a retail strategy, a marketing plan and a product that already has traction. — David Born, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin traction-, tractio, from Latin trahere

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for traction

• action
• faction
• fraction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction

Kids Definition

traction

noun

trac·​tion ˈtrak-shən 

1

: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn

2

: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves (as of a wheel on a rail)

3

: a pulling force applied to a skeletal structure (as a broken bone) by using a special device

a traction splint

also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force

a leg in traction

Medical Definition

traction

noun

trac·​tion ˈtrak-shən 

1

: the pulling of or tension established in one body part by another

2

: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device or apparatus

a traction splint

also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force

a leg in traction