# locomotion

/ˌɫoʊkəˈmoʊʃən/ (US) · /lˌəʊkəmˈəʊʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/locomotion
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the ability to move from one place to another. In biology, it refers to how animals or plants move their bodies to survive.

For teachers: the ability to move from one place to another. In a biological context, it describes the various mechanisms and structures that enable an organism to move.

## Examples

- The fish uses its tail for locomotion in the water.
- Many desert animals have evolved specialized locomotion to move quickly across loose sand without sinking.
- The study of locomotion in insects reveals how tiny legs and wings work together to achieve remarkable speed and agility in complex environments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.