What does locomote mean?
“Locomote” is a formal verb meaning to move or travel from one place to another, particularly through self-propelled motion. It can describe an organism using its own mechanisms, such as an animal walking or a bacterium swimming, as well as a machine operating under its own power. The word is more specialized than the everyday verb “move” and is frequently encountered in biology, engineering, and transport-related writing. In ordinary conversation, “move,” “travel,” or “get around” will usually sound more natural. The term is closely related to “locomotion,” which names the broader process or ability of moving, and to “locomotive,” which refers to a self-propelled engine or train. Its distinctive sound and technical character make it especially useful when describing purposeful movement by a living thing or a machine.
verbTo move or travel from one place to another, especially by means of a self-propelled mechanism or an organism's own locomotion. The word is chiefly used in technical, scientific, and formal contexts.
- To move or travel, especially by one's own power or by a self-propelling mechanism.
- To enable an organism or mechanism to move; to be capable of self-propelled movement.
"The bacterium uses its flagella to locomote through the water."
"The tiny insects can locomote along the narrow branches of the tree."
"The newly repaired engine was able to locomote under its own power."
From a bacterium swimming through water to a train pulling across a continent, “locomote” captures the act of getting from one place to another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does locomote come from?
The word belongs to a family derived from Latin, combining elements associated with “place” and “movement,” and ultimately relates to the English words “locomotion” and “locomotive.” “Locomote” developed as a verb associated with self-propelled movement, especially in biological and mechanical descriptions. Its form reflects the influence of “locomotive” and the wider Latinate vocabulary of movement and transport.
Related word forms
How locomote is actually used
The verb is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is especially common in biology, engineering, and other technical writing; in general contexts, “move” or “travel” is more natural.
Easily confused with locomote
A locomotive is a self-propelled engine or train, whereas to locomote means to move or travel.
Locomotion names the process or ability of moving, while locomote is the verb describing the act of moving.