Movement & Motion Vocabulary
11+ Vocabulary Poster
Walking & Steady Movement
Amble
To walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace.
Stroll, Wander, Dawdle
Hurry, Rush, Sprint
"We chose to amble along the quiet path beside the stream."
Meander
To follow a winding course or wander aimlessly.
Wander, Curve, Ramble
Stride, March, Go straight
"The narrow lane meanders through fields and small villages."
Trudge
To walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions.
Plod, Slog, Hobble
Skip, Glide, Run
"We had to trudge through deep mud after the heavy rain."
Falter
To lose strength or momentum; to move unsteadily.
Stumble, Waver, Limp
Stride, Continue steadily
"Her steps began to falter as she reached the steepest part of the climb."
Stagger
To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
Totter, Sway, Reel
Walk firmly, Stride
"The injured player managed to stagger off the pitch with help."
Lumber
To move in a slow, heavy, awkward way.
Plod, Shamble, Stomp
Glide, Dart, Skip
"The heavy truck began to lumber slowly up the steep hill."
Hobble
To walk in an awkward way, typically because of pain from an injury.
Limp, Shuffle, Falter
Stride, Run, Sprint
"The old man had to hobble after injuring his ankle."
Running & Fast Movement
Dash
To run or move somewhere suddenly and very quickly.
Race, Bolt, Hurry
Stroll, Dawdle, Creep
"I had to dash to catch the last bus home."
Sprint
To run at full speed over a short distance.
Raced, Bolted, Charged
Walk, Amble, Saunter
"She sprinted ahead and won the race by several metres."
Hurtle
To move or cause to move at high speed, typically in an uncontrolled manner.
Speed, Zoom, Rush
Crawl, Creep, Dawdle
"The loose rock hurtled down the slope towards the valley below."
Scurry
To move hurriedly with short, quick steps.
Scamper, Hurry, Bustle
Creep, Stroll, Loiter
"Small animals scurry for shelter as soon as rain clouds appear."
Dart
To move or run somewhere suddenly and rapidly.
Shot, Flashed, Bolted
Creep, Saunter, Meander
"The bird darted between the trees and vanished from sight."
Secret & Cautious Movement
Elude
To escape from or avoid a danger, enemy, or pursuer, typically in a skillful or cunning way.
Escape, Evade, Dodge
Confront, Catch, Face
"The rabbit managed to elude the fox by hiding in a burrow."
Skulk
To keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive.
Lurk, Sneak, Prowl
Stride, Appear openly
"The fox likes to skulk near the barn looking for food."
Lurk
To remain hidden so as to wait in ambush for someone or something.
Hid, Lay in wait, Loitered
Showed, Revealed itself
"A strange silence lurked in the empty house."
Prowl
To move restlessly and stealthily, especially in search of prey.
Patrolled, Roamed, Hunted
Rushed, Moved openly
"The big cat prowled silently through the tall grass."
Creep
To move slowly and carefully in order to avoid being heard or noticed.
Crawled, Tiptoed, Slipped
Rushed, Strode, Marched
"We crept past the door so we wouldn’t wake anyone."
Falling & Playful Movement
Plummet
To fall or drop straight down at high speed.
Plunge, Drop, Dive
Rise, Soar, Climb
"Temperatures will plummet after dark, so wrap up warm."
Cascade
To pour downwards rapidly and in large quantities.
Spill, Flow, Pour
Dry, Evaporate
"Water cascades over the rocks into the pool below."
Careen
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction.
Sway, Tilt, Lurch
Steady, Balance, Straight
"The car began to careen as the road became icy."
Oscillate
To move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm.
Swing, Vibrate, Waver
Stay still, Remain fixed
"The fan blade will oscillate to cool the whole room."
Prance
To move with high springy steps, often in a happy or proud way.
Skip, Caper, Dance
Trudge, Limp, Drag
"The pony loves to prance around the field when it sees its owner."