kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈne-tik 

also

kī- 

1

: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith

2

a

: active, lively

b

: dynamic, energizing

a kinetic performer

3

: of or relating to kinetic art

kinetically

kə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 also  kī-

adverb

Did you know?

Ever watch a top spin? Or see one pool ball collide with another and send it across the felt? When you do, you’re witnessing kinetic energy—the energy of something in motion. Kinetics is a branch of science that deals with the effects of forces upon the motions of material bodies, and something described as kinetic has to do with the motion of material bodies and the forces associated with them. Both words were adopted in the 19th century from the Greek word kinētikos (meaning "of motion") for use in the field of physics, but the adjective kinetic proved too apt for broader application, and by the 1930s it was being used to describe people and things full of literal and figurative energy as well.

Synonyms

• active
• airy
• animate
• animated
• bouncing
• brisk
• energetic
• frisky
• gay
• jaunty
• jazzy
• lively
• mettlesome
• peppy
• perky
• pert
• pizzazzy
• pizazzy
• racy
• snappy
• spanking
• sparky
• spirited
• sprightly
• springy
• vital
• vivacious
• zippy

Examples of kinetic in a Sentence

the novel's plot is kinetic and fast-paced, and its effect on the reader is much like that of a surfeit of caffeine

the loft district is the locus of the city's kinetic arts scene

Recent Examples on the Web

This retrospective look at how artists envisioned a futuristic visual lexicon features early optical, kinetic and digital art pioneers working at the intersection of art and tech. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Because the belt is moving, more of the force your body applies to the ground to carry you forward comes from your foot and ankle rather than higher up the kinetic chain. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 2 Dec. 2024

And through it all, Carnesecca was a swirling, kinetic presence on the sidelines, arms flailing, legs kicking, shirttails flying, all 5-foot-6 of him curled in exasperation over a missed shot or agonizing call. —Mike Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

These signature earrings have a bold look with kinetic movement. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek kinētikos, from kinētos, from kinein — see -kinesis

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kinetic

• kinetic art
• kinetic energy
• kinetic theory

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Kids Definition

kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈnet-ik 

kī-

: of or relating to the motions of material bodies and the forces and energy associated with them

Etymology

from Greek kinētikos "relating to motion," derived from kinein "to move" — related to cinema

Medical Definition

kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈnet-ik  kī- 

: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith

kinetically adverb