locomotion

American  

[loh-kuh-moh-shuhn] / ˌloʊ kəˈmoʊ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or power of moving from place to place.

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locomotion British  

/ ˌləʊkəˈməʊʃən /

noun

1. the act, fact, ability, or power of moving

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locomotion Scientific  

/ lō′kə-mō′shən /

1. The movement of an organism from one place to another, often by the action of appendages such as flagella, limbs, or wings. In some animals, such as fish, locomotion results from a wavelike series of muscle contractions.

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Etymology

Origin of locomotion

First recorded in 1640–50; see origin at locomotive, motion

Explanation

Locomotion refers to the ability to move. "The Loco-motion" is also a dance-song popularized by Grand Funk Railroad. Google it; you won't be sorry. "Come on baby, do the loco-motion!" See the word motion in locomotion? That's a clue that this word has to do with movement. An animal is capable of locomotion if it can move on its own. For example, a dog's legs and a bird's wings give them locomotion. Our legs are our tools for locomotion too. Locomotion is also an instance of traveling. If you get on a train, that’s locomotion.

Example Sentences

“He did, what I think is a very thorough job figuring out what’s causing this movement in the case of locomotion and tying down the mechanical elements,” Goard said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Although most true crab species use sideways locomotion, there are some groups that walk forwards, which raises some interesting questions.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

"These current results highlight that sideways locomotion in true crabs is a rare but innovative trait that may have contributed to their ecological success," Kawabata concludes.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

She suspects vaults have a role in cell locomotion, perhaps by regulating expression of other proteins that form extensions that help cells get around.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 6, 2024

For a second, I was paralyzed and then I found my powers of locomotion and ran from the room—parlor manners be damned—to join him.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly