moves; moved; moving
1
a
: to cause (something or someone) to go from one place or position to another
He moved the chair closer to the table.
It may be necessary to move the patient to intensive care.
The breeze moved the branches of the trees.
The knife had sunk deeply into the wood and couldn't be moved. [=budged]
b
: to go from one place or position to another
The boat moved [=rocked] slowly from side to side as the wind rose.
The branches moved gently in the breeze.
2
a
: to cause (your body or a part of your body) to go from one position to another
She was unable to move her legs.
Nobody moved a muscle. [=nobody moved at all; everyone was very still]
The dancers moved gracefully.
Nobody moved.
She was so frightened that she could hardly move.
I moved over so that she could sit next to me.
b
: to go or walk from one place to another
We moved into the shade.
The police were moving through the crowd telling people to move toward the exit.
People were moving (about/around) freely.
We could hear someone moving around upstairs.
move along
They moved closer to each other and spoke in whispers.
3
a
: to cause (something) to go to a specified place or to proceed in a specified way
The records show that she moved large amounts of money to a foreign bank account.
He lacks enough support to move his proposals through the legislature.
b
: to cause (something) to happen at a different time
The meeting has been moved [=changed] to this afternoon.
4
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to go to a different and usually higher position
The team has moved into second place.
She has been steadily moving up the corporate ladder.
Congratulations on your promotion. It's nice to see how you're moving up in the world.
A win will move the team into second place.
5
a
: to go to a different place to live
We've had to move twice in the past year.
He didn't like small towns and decided to move to the city.
We're planning to move into a new apartment.
He moved (away) with his family to California.
He moved his family to California.
(Brit) We've had to move house twice in the past year.
b
: to go to a different place to work or do business
The company is moving from New York to Chicago.
The company is moving its offices from New York to Chicago.
6
a
: to affect the feelings of (someone) : to cause (someone) to feel an emotion and especially sadness or sympathy
The sad story of his childhood moved us deeply.
I was greatly moved by his story/kindness.
He's not easily moved to anger. [=he does not become angry easily]
His story moved us to tears. [=it affected us so strongly that we cried]
b
: to cause (someone) to act or think in a specified way
—followed by to + verb
The report moved [=persuaded] me to change my mind.
His arguments moved them to reconsider the plan.
I felt moved [=compelled] to speak.
c
: to cause (someone) to feel or think in a different way
We were unable to move him from his convictions.
He would not be moved.
7
: to take action : act
We need to move quickly to close this deal.
He was waiting for the right time to move against his enemies.
She hasn't yet moved on their recommendations.
We must move [=proceed] very carefully to avoid offending them.
8
a
: to formally make a suggestion or proposal at a meeting
—+ for
She moved for an adjournment.
She moved to adjourn the meeting. = She moved that the meeting be adjourned.
b
law
: to make a formal request to a court of law or judge for something to be done or happen
—+ for
His lawyer moved for a mistrial.
The plaintiff moved for a retrial.
9
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to make progress
The plot of the novel moves [=develops] slowly.
They're moving closer to making a decision.
10
informal
: sell
a store that moves a lot of merchandise
The products have been moving slowly.
11
informal
: to go fast
When the police car passed us it was really moving.
12
: to spend time with a particular group of people or at a particular level of society
She moves in high circles. [=she is friendly with wealthy and powerful people]
She and her sister move in very different circles. [=they are friendly with very different groups of people]
13
informal
: to leave a place
It was getting late and I thought it was time to be moving. [=going]
14
: to cause a piece in a game (such as chess or checkers) to go from one place to another
He moved a pawn.
It's your turn to move.
plural moves
1
: an act of moving your body or a part of your body : movement
fancy dance moves
He made a sudden move that scared away the squirrel.
an athlete who has some good moves
No one made a move toward the exits. [=no one moved toward the exits]
The policeman warned him not to make any false moves.
He was afraid to make a move.
2
: an action
The police are watching his every move. = The police are watching every move he makes. [=the police are watching everything he does]
No one is sure what his next move will be.
He was waiting for her to make the first move. [=to act first]
3
: the act of moving to a different place
He's preparing for his move to California.
4
: something done to achieve a desired result or goal
Starting her own business was a risky/bold move.
In a move to attract new customers, the company has decided to devote more money to advertising.
a smart/wise move
a good career move [=something done to help a person's career]
5
: an act of moving a piece in a game (such as chess or checkers)
the opening moves in a game of chess
It's your move. [=turn]
Cite this Entry
“Move.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/move. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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