locomotion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, technical, occasionally literary
Quick answer
What does “locomotion” mean?
The act, power, or ability to move from one place to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act, power, or ability to move from one place to another; the capability of moving under one's own power.
Movement or the process of movement in general, often used in technical, biological, and historical contexts to describe the mechanics of travel (e.g., human, animal, or vehicle movement). It can also refer to the progression or onward motion of abstract things like ideas or technology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both. In the UK, slightly more likely to evoke historical transport (e.g., 'locomotion engine') due to railway heritage.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech in both varieties, but common in specific academic/technical domains.
Grammar
How to Use “locomotion” in a Sentence
[N of locomotion][ADJ + locomotion][V + locomotion (e.g., facilitate, study, impede)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locomotion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/Technical) The robot is designed to locomote across rough terrain.
American English
- (Rare/Technical) The prototype can locomote using a novel leg-wheel hybrid system.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely Rare/Obsolete) Not in standard use.
American English
- (Extremely Rare/Obsolete) Not in standard use.
adjective
British English
- (Rare) The locomotive power of the new engine was remarkable. (Note: 'locomotive' is the standard adjective.)
American English
- (Rare) Researchers studied the creature's locomotive organs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in transport/logistics sectors discussing 'means of locomotion' for goods.
Academic
Common in biology, kinesiology, robotics, and transport history (e.g., 'The study of arthropod locomotion').
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or in reference to the song/dance 'The Locomotion'.
Technical
Standard term in engineering (robotics, vehicle design), biology, and physics to describe systems of movement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locomotion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locomotion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locomotion”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I locomoted to the shop' – hypercorrect/archaic).
- Using it in casual conversation where 'movement' or 'getting around' would be more natural.
- Misspelling as 'locomoshun' or 'locomosion'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, technical, or academic word. In everyday conversation, people use 'movement', 'travel', or 'getting around'.
'Locomotion' is the abstract noun meaning the *act or capability of moving*. A 'locomotive' (often shortened to 'engine') is the physical vehicle (like a train engine) that provides the power for locomotion.
Yes, but it's rare and figurative. It can metaphorically describe the rapid progress or spread of ideas, technologies, or social movements (e.g., 'the locomotion of the Renaissance ideals across Europe'). This usage is formal and literary.
It is the title of a famous 1962 song by Little Eva and a subsequent hit by Kylie Minogue. The song uses the word in a playful, dance-related context, comparing a dance to the motion of a train.
The act, power, or ability to move from one place to another.
Locomotion is usually formal, academic, technical, occasionally literary in register.
Locomotion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊ.kəˈməʊ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get a move on (informal, not directly related but conveys the idea of initiating locomotion)”
- “put something in motion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LOCO (like 'locomotive' train) + MOTION. A LOCOMOTIVE is an engine that provides LOCOMOTION.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/TECHNOLOGY ARE VEHICLES ("The locomotion of digital transformation is unstoppable"). PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'locomotion' LEAST likely to be used?