kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈne-tik 

also

kī- 

1

: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith

2

a

: active, lively

b

: dynamic, energizing

a kinetic performer

3

: of or relating to kinetic art

kinetically

kə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

also kī-

adverb

Did you know?

Ever watch a top spin? Or see one pool ball collide with another and send it across the felt? When you do, you’re witnessing kinetic energy—the energy of something in motion. Kinetics is a branch of science that deals with the effects of forces upon the motions of material bodies, and something described as kinetic has to do with the motion of material bodies and the forces associated with them. Both words were adopted in the 19th century from the Greek word kinētikos (meaning "of motion") for use in the field of physics, but the adjective kinetic proved too apt for broader application, and by the 1930s it was being used to describe people and things full of literal and figurative energy as well.

Synonyms of kinetic

• energetic
• animated
• lively
• active
• animate
• brisk

Examples of kinetic in a Sentence

the novel's plot is kinetic and fast-paced, and its effect on the reader is much like that of a surfeit of caffeine

the loft district is the locus of the city's kinetic arts scene

Recent Examples on the Web

Shanghai’s Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena is a lesson in kinetic architecture. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Space debris is generated not only by kinetic space weapons but also when satellites collide and get smashed into countless fragments and smaller particles that travel at high velocity and are capable of destroying or damaging more spacecraft. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Taymor’s production catalyzes the storytelling, and the dynamic inventiveness of the mise-en-scène is on kinetic display at the Pantages, where a top-notch design team works in perfect coordination. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

For counter-drone missions, the platform supports detection, tracking and identification through engagement using kinetic and non-kinetic effects. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek kinētikos, from kinētos, from kinein — see -kinesis

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kinetic

• kinetic art
• kinetic energy
• kinetic theory

Rhymes for kinetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic

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Kids Definition

kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈnet-ik 

kī-

: of or relating to the motions of material bodies and the forces and energy associated with them

Etymology

from Greek kinētikos "relating to motion," derived from kinein "to move" — related to cinema

Medical Definition

kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈnet-ik  kī- 

: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith

kinetically adverb