velocity
Americannoun
plural
velocities-
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.
In 2027 or early 2028, Japanese forces will bring to Kyushu another new homegrown missile—the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, designed to evade enemy defenses—after deploying one in central Japan this year.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Velocity also is associated with an increased risk of injury.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026
As the official luxury lifestyle partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, Velocity Black members get access to the hospitality suite where lobster tails, Glenfiddich and racks of lamb are all on free-flow.
From Salon • Nov. 29, 2025
In 2019, Verma was picked for the Velocity team in the women's T20 Challenge -- a precursor to the Women's Premier League -- and walked onto the field with Indian cricket great Mithali Raj.
From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025
"Velocity seven hundred and forty-one meters per second," Johanssen called out.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
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.
