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motion

[moh-shuhn] / ˈmoʊ ʃən /




Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for motion?  
Motion most commonly means movement. To set in motion means to cause something to start moving. It’s usually used in a figurative way meaning to start, initiate, or cause something to begin (the phrase often implies that it’s something that might not be able to be stopped once it’s started). A person’s (or animal’s) motion while walking is called their gait. Sometimes, a motion is a gesture. Both words can also be used as verbs, as in He motioned/gestured toward the door. The word nod is used in reference to a motion or gesture made with the head. Nod can also be used as a verb or a noun. In the context of a formal meeting, a motion is a formally made proposal or suggestion. Such motions often must be “seconded” (agreed with by one other person) to be considered. In this context, motion can also be used as a verb. The verb propose is a synonym.
What is the difference between motion and movement?  
The words motion and movement are very similar. Both can be used generally to indicate that the things being observed are moving, though movement is perhaps more general. For example, you might point out the movement of the trees during a windstorm, or comment on the lively movement of people at a train station. Both can also be applied in the context of a single thing that’s moving. Motion is perhaps more common when discussing the mechanics of how something moves. For example, astronomers study the motion of the planets. Motion may be more commonly used in descriptions of specific types of moving, as in a swinging motion or a running motion. Motion is used in the phrase in motion, which is used to describe something that’s moving. Of course, motion and movement both have many other more specific meanings, such as a formal motion during a meeting, a movement in a piece of music, or a social movement.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Sultan added that the motion was "not about settling a political score with any particular person".

From BBC Sep. 17, 2026

The motion, which also called for the five-year route to settlement to be retained for workers, was passed unanimously by delegates.

From BBC Sep. 15, 2026

That motion is caused by the Magnus effect, a familiar piece of physics that also influences the flight of larger balls in sports such as soccer.

From Science Daily Sep. 13, 2026

Novel materials allow the helmets to weigh less than their competitors, which Esayian said reduces the energy associated with “head whip”—the motion of a player’s head after impact.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 13, 2026

I knew it was bad as soon as I heard the crack, but the whole tragedy happened in cinematic slow motion.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

"Mohammad's team and the other defence teams will file motions to suppress some of these categories of evidence, as well."

From BBC Sep. 8, 2026

A lawyer herself, Harris notes that because the country already has 13 intermediate courts of appeal, a 13-member Supreme Court would allow each justice to review motions from a lower court one-to-one.

From Slate Sep. 3, 2026

The letter comes days before the parties are expected to submit new motions asking the judge to rule in their favor on at least some of their core arguments, after completing discovery.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 2, 2026

Boys are more likely than girls to display autistic traits like lack of eye contact and repetitive motions such as rocking or hand-flapping.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 26, 2026

While we wait, Ben motions to a steel door with a flashing blue light, its latch encased within a clear locked box.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

She motioned to the Egyptian busts and said: "These heads, they talk to me."

From BBC Jul. 17, 2026

During a dinner in September with heads of major technology companies, Trump took questions from the press and motioned with his hand for a reporter to speak up.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 1, 2026

Baffert said as he stood in the winner’s circle and motioned to the grandstand, which was crowded with an announced 41,962 fans, the largest opening day audience since 2016.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 28, 2025

During parts of Sunday’s game in Utah, James desperately motioned toward the Lakers bench for a sub.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 26, 2025

He motioned to a spot by the entrance and paused as the memory replayed in his mind.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

"Silencio" the rescuers scream turning towards the road with their fists up in the air, motioning to everyone to remain silent.

From BBC Jun. 30, 2026

"And this is why this film exists and why I exist as an artist because of those people right there," he added, motioning to his family and crew.

From Barron's May 15, 2026

After seeing three tries ruled out by the television match official, Freeman and Henry Pollock both celebrated undeniable scores by motioning for a video review.

From BBC Dec. 29, 2025

Homendy said she keeps hearing about the cost, but motioning to the grieving families, she added, “This is the cost.”

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 2, 2024

“And this,” Callaway said, motioning to the large room, “is where all of our training takes place.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin




Vocabulary lists containing motion


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