motions

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of motion.

   The committee debated several motions before reaching a decision.

   Her hands traced sweeping motions in the air as she described the storm.

   Note

   Only the countable uses of motion take this plural. The uncountable state of moving, as in things set in motion, has none. What multiplies is individual movements, the proposals put before a meeting, and, in an obsolete use, puppet shows and similar entertainments. Context usually settles which is meant: a committee debates motions, while a dancer makes them.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of motion.

   The conductor motions the orchestra to begin the second movement.

   He motions toward the door whenever a visitor lingers too long.

   Note

   The safe use of this form is the gesture: someone motions a guest inside, or motions toward the door. The procedural use, as when a member motions to adjourn, is proscribed and frowned on by those who police meeting language, so formal minutes do better without it. The looser sense of offering a plan or proposal sits between the two, closer to everyday talk than to parliamentary procedure.

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