velocity
Americannoun
-
rapidity of motion or operation; swiftness; speed.
a high wind velocity.
-
Mechanics. the time rate of change of position of a body in a specified direction.
-
the rate of speed with which something happens; rapidity of action or reaction.
noun
-
speed of motion, action, or operation; rapidity; swiftness
-
u. v. w. physics a measure of the rate of motion of a body expressed as the rate of change of its position in a particular direction with time. It is measured in metres per second, miles per hour, etc
-
physics (not in technical usage) another word for speed
-
The speed and direction of motion of a moving body. Velocity is a vector quantity.
-
Compare acceleration speed
Related Words
See speed.
Etymology
Origin of velocity
First recorded in 1540–50, velocity is from the Latin word vēlōcitās speed. See velocipede, -ty 2
Explanation
If your rocket is traveling at maximum velocity, it means it can't go any faster. Velocity is quickness of motion or action. A synonym is celerity; a simpler word is speed. In physics, velocity specifically refers to the measurement of the rate and direction of change in position of an object. It is a vector quantity that specifies both the speed of a body and its direction of motion. The noun velocity descends from Middle English velocite, from Old French, from Latin vēlōcitās, from vēlōx "fast."
Vocabulary lists containing velocity
Automobiles
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Word Generation Science - Energy
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 1: Telling Details
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"We need, collectively, to call on that sense of urgency now. That means moving with velocity and clarity," he added in his note to staff.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
Instead of simply cooling the atoms, they proposed manipulating the vacuum itself by creating "squeezed states," quantum states in which position and velocity behave in unusual ways.
From Science Daily • May 18, 2026
Such is the fuel-injected velocity of the story, I have no idea whether the hackers’ actions are plausible.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Lesch’s delivery had one major flaw: He threw directly overhand, as opposed to three-quarters or even sidearm, which can increase velocity but also places additional strain on the shoulder and elbow.
From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026
I let the train pull me along for three long strides, and then use its velocity to vault up and inside.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
