locomotion

noun

lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
1
: an act or the power of moving from place to place
2
: travel
interest in free locomotion and choice of occupationZechariah Chafee Jr.

Examples of locomotion in a Sentence

Walking is one form of locomotion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many have nociceptors that send signals to other parts of the insect brain, such as the central complex (associated with spatial navigation and locomotion) and the mushroom bodies (linked to learning, memory, and sensory integration). Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025 Investigators targeted a surprising brain region: the lateral hypothalamus, which is associated with a variety of basic functions, though not especially with locomotion. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Dec. 2024 These were likely used for locomotion and for sifting through ocean sediment for smaller food items, much like many of today’s crustaceans. Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 The team did look to living creatures for inspiration, studying dog and cat locomotion. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for locomotion 

Word History

Etymology

Latin locus + English motion

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of locomotion was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near locomotion

Cite this Entry

“Locomotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotion. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
: the act or power of moving from place to place

Medical Definition

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio)
: an act or the power of moving from place to place : progressive movement (as of an animal body)
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