plural motions
1
a
: an act or process of moving : movement
All motion stopped.
She has a simple golf swing with no/little wasted motion.
a rocking/smooth/steady motion
planetary motions
the rhythmic motions of the waves
b
: a movement of your body or of a part of your body
He caught the ball and flipped it back to me in one fluid motion.
She made a motion [=gesture] to her assistant.
The wax should be applied using a circular motion.
He made hand motions to get our attention.
2
a
: a formal suggestion or proposal that is made at a meeting for something to be done
She made a motion calling for the repeal of the law.
Her motion was voted on.
She made a motion that the meeting (should) be adjourned. = She made a motion to adjourn (the meeting).
b
law
: a formal request made to a court of law or judge for something to be done or happen
His lawyer filed a motion for a mistrial.
Her lawyer has filed a motion that the case (should) be dismissed.
The judge denied a motion to delay the hearing.
3
British, medical
a
: an act of passing solid waste from the body : a bowel movement
b
: the solid waste that is passed from the body
motions; motioned; motioning
: to make a movement of your hand, head, etc., that tells someone to move or act in a certain way
They motioned me to come forward. = They motioned me forward.
The guard motioned us through the gate.
She motioned to her assistant.
He motioned (to me) with one hand while opening the door with the other.
She motioned at the empty chair beside her and told me to sit down.
Cite this Entry
“Motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/motion. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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