What does "moves" mean?

1. (to change homes) to leave your current house and go to live in a new one. 2. (to affect emotions) to cause someone to feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or sympathy. 3. (actions in a game) the actions a player takes when it is their turn in a game like chess. 4. (dancing ability) the way someone dances, especially if they are very good at it. 5. (strategic actions) actions taken to achieve a specific result or to solve a problem.

moves

v. · n.

US //ˈmuvz// UK //mˈuːvz// moves

1 to change homes (v.)
A2 Elementary

to leave your current house and go to live in a new one.

to change one's place of residence or business; often used with the preposition 'to'.

Example

My best friend moves to a different city next month for a new job.

Example

The family moves frequently due to the father's military career, having lived in four different countries in the last decade.
- relocate
- transfer
- settle
2 to affect emotions (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to cause someone to feel a strong emotion, especially sadness or sympathy.

to evoke a strong emotional response, typically of pity, sympathy, or gratitude.

Example

The film's sad ending moves everyone who watches it to tears.

Example

The speaker's account of her childhood struggles moves the audience deeply, prompting a standing ovation and significant donations to the charity.
3 actions in a game (n.)
A2 Elementary

the actions a player takes when it is their turn in a game like chess.

the act of changing the position of a piece or taking a turn in a board game or strategic contest.

Example

He carefully considers his moves before touching any of the chess pieces.

Example

The grandmaster's opening moves were designed to test his opponent's familiarity with rare defensive variations.
4 dancing ability (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

the way someone dances, especially if they are very good at it.

a person's repertoire of dance steps or their general ability to dance rhythmically.

Example

Everyone was impressed when he showed off his moves on the dance floor.

Example

Despite his professional exterior, the CEO surprised his employees with some impressive moves during the annual holiday party.
- steps
- dancing
5 strategic actions (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

actions taken to achieve a specific result or to solve a problem.

a calculated action taken to achieve a specific purpose or to advance a career or project.

Example

Buying that small company was one of the smartest moves the bank ever made.

Example

The diplomat's latest moves suggest a genuine desire to de-escalate the conflict before the winter sets in.

Idioms1 entry

01
put the moves on
To make an effort to gain someone's romantic or sexual interest; to try to woo or seduce.

Last updated June 19, 2026