motion
/ˈməʊʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈoʃən] /ˈməʊʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈoʃən] /ˈmō-shən/ (ame, mw) · /ˈməʊ.ʃən/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈoʃən] /ˈmoʊ.ʃən/ (ame, ipa)
motion — noun
- motionsingular
- motionsplural
1. movement that can be seen or detected, or the manner in which something travels
movement that can be seen or detected, or the manner in which something travels
The security camera records any motion near the back gate at night.
any motion near [place] — movement detected by a device
A sudden motion in the tall grass made the children step back.
The slow motion of the ferry on rough water made Jia dizzy.
Please keep your arm still during the scan to avoid extra motion.
文法句型
in motion
any motion
the motion of [noun]
用法筆記
This is the broad physical sense. It is common in everyday speech, in technical contexts such as cameras and scanners, and in the fixed phrase 'in motion'.
2. a movement of the body, hand, or head, especially one used to show what you mean
a movement of the body, hand, or head, especially one used to show what you mean
Arun made a quick motion with his hand toward the empty chair.
make a motion with [body part] to direct someone
One sharp motion of the coach's head sent the team inside.
The guard raised an arm, using a calm motion to stop traffic.
Lila's small motion toward the door told Omar it was time.
文法句型
make a motion
a motion with [body part]
a motion toward [place]
用法筆記
This sense is about a visible gesture that carries meaning. It is narrower than the broad physical sense in noun 1.
3. a formal proposal that people at a meeting discuss and then vote on
a formal proposal that people at a meeting discuss and then vote on
Mina made a motion to delay the vote until next week.
make a motion to + verb at a meeting
The chair asked for a second before putting the motion to a vote.
put a motion to a vote — standard meeting procedure
After brief discussion, the motion passed by twelve votes to three.
Several members spoke against the motion during the budget meeting.
文法句型
make a motion
second a motion
put a motion to a vote
用法筆記
This sense belongs to formal meeting language. It often appears with verbs such as 'make', 'second', 'carry', and 'pass'.
4. a condition in which something is already active, operating, or starting to happ
a condition in which something is already active, operating, or starting to happen
Once the rescue plan was in motion, everyone knew their job.
be in motion — already active or underway
The factory stayed in motion through the night to fill orders.
By noon, the new payment system was finally in motion.
Years of quiet planning set the school project in motion.
文法句型
be in motion
set [something] in motion
keep [something] in motion
用法筆記
This sense usually appears in fixed phrases such as 'in motion' and 'set in motion'. It focuses on an ongoing process rather than visible physical movement.
5. a polite word for going to the toilet to pass stool, or for the stool itself
a polite word for going to the toilet to pass stool, or for the stool itself
The nurse asked whether the patient had had a motion today.
have a motion — polite medical question
Blood in the motion should be reported to a doctor immediately.
blood in the motion — medical warning sign
After surgery, staff recorded each motion to check Kenji's recovery.
The child cried because passing the motion was painful.
文法句型
have a motion
blood in the motion
pass a motion
用法筆記
This sense is polite and mainly appears in medical, care-home, or older British use. Many speakers would choose 'bowel movement' instead in neutral modern English.
6. a formal paper or statement used to ask a judge for an official decision
a formal paper or statement used to ask a judge for an official decision
The lawyer filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss the case.
file a motion — make a formal court request
Court staff stamped the motion before sending it to the judge.
The defense attorney argued that the motion should be heard immediately.
After reading the motion, the judge scheduled a short hearing.
文法句型
file a motion
hear a motion
grant a motion
用法筆記
This is legal language. Unlike noun 3, it belongs to court procedure rather than meetings or committees.
7. in American football, the pre-snap movement of a player to a new position before
in American football, the pre-snap movement of a player to a new position before the play begins
The slot receiver went in motion just before the ball was snapped.
go in motion — move before the snap
Coach Diaz used motion to pull the defense toward the left side.
Too much motion before the snap can confuse young players.
Fans cheered when the running back scored after a fake motion.
文法句型
go in motion
motion before the snap
use motion to [verb]
用法筆記
This sense is specific to American football and usually refers to planned movement before the snap.
motion — verb
- motionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- motions3rd person singular
- motioning-ing form
- motionedpast simple
1. to signal to someone by moving your hand, head, or body
to signal to someone by moving your hand, head, or body
Rachid motioned for the waiter to bring the bill.
motion for [someone] to do [something]
The nurse motioned me toward the chair beside the bed.
motion [someone] toward [place]
From the doorway, Adina motioned to the children to come in.
The pilot motioned across the runway, warning the crew to wait.
文法句型
motion [someone] toward [place]
motion for [someone] to do [something]
用法筆記
The verb usually suggests silent direction by gesture rather than spoken instruction.