noun
motion
MOH-shuhn
noun
1
Movement from one place or position to another.
"The camera captured the motion of the falling leaves."
"She felt the gentle motion of the boat rocking on the waves."
2
A formal proposal put forward for discussion or a vote, especially in a meeting or a court of law.
"The senator introduced a motion to delay the vote."
"Her lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the case."
verb
1
To signal with a gesture what someone should do.
"She motioned for him to sit down."
How to Use Motion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither physical movement, or a formal proposal put to a group or a judge.
Common pairings
set in motion
motion picture
file a motion
in motion
Word Forms
motioned past tense, motions plural, Motions plural, motions singular
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The camera captured the _____ of the falling leaves.
Etymology
From Latin mōtiō ("movement"), from movēre ("to move") — the same root behind move, motor, and motive.