First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
velocity
noun ve·loc·i·ty \və-ˈlä-sə-tē, -ˈläs-tē\
: quickness of motion
plural ve·loc·i·ties
Full Definition of VELOCITY
1
a : quickness of motion : speed <the velocity of sound> b : rapidity of movement <[my horse's] strong suit is grace & personal comeliness, rather than velocity — Mark Twain> c : speed imparted to something <the power pitcher relies on velocity — Tony Scherman>
2
: the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time : the derivative of position with respect to time
3
a : rate of occurrence or action : rapidity <the velocity of historical change — R. J. Lifton> b : rate of turnover <the velocity of money>
See velocity defined for English-language learners
See velocity defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VELOCITY
Middle French velocité, from Latin velocitat-, velocitas, from veloc-, velox quick; probably akin to Latin vegēre to enliven — more at wake
Related to VELOCITY
Other Physics Terms
VELOCITIES Defined for Kids
velocity
noun ve·loc·i·ty \və-ˈlä-sə-tē\
plural ve·loc·i·ties
Definition of VELOCITY for Kids
: quickness of motion : speed
Learn More About VELOCITY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: velocity functionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: velocitizeAll Words Near: velocity
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up velocity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).