traction
noun
trac·tion
ˈtrak-shən 
1
a
: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves
the traction of a wheel on a rail
b
: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device
a traction splint
also
: a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction
2
: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn
also
: the force exerted in drawing
3
: the support or interest that is needed for something to make progress or succeed
a product that is starting to gain traction among consumers
… the litmus test issues of abortion and gay marriage have been losing traction, subordinated to the Iraq war and terrorism.—
Thomas B. Edsall
Thomas B. EdsallAs many economists have noted, cutting spending is the worst thing people with means can do for the economy right now. But that argument seems to have little traction, especially because even those with steady paychecks and no fear of losing their job have seen their net worth decline and their retirement savings evaporate.—Shaila Dewan
Shaila Dewan4
: the drawing of a vehicle by motive power
also
: the motive power employed
Did you know?
A tractor is something that pulls something else. We usually use the word for a piece of farm machinery, but it's also the name of the part of a big truck that includes the engine and the cab. Tractors get terrific traction, because of their powerful engines and the deep ridges on their huge wheels. A cross-country skier needs traction to kick herself forward, but doesn't want it to slow her down when she's gliding, so the bottom of the skis may have a "fish-scale" surface that permits both of these at the same time.
Examples of traction in a Sentence
These tires get good traction on wet roads.
A patch of ice caused the car to lose traction.
She was in traction for three weeks after she broke her hip.
The bill failed to gain traction in the Senate.
We didn't get traction on this idea until the board took interest.
Recent Examples on the Web
But decades later, old school sneakers like the Adidas Gazelle and the New Balance 990 started gaining traction once more.
—Adam Cheung, Glamour, 28 Nov. 2024
Emphasis On Sustainability Consumers and employees alike are concerned about sustainability, a trend that is only gaining traction as climate change looms large in people’s minds.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Nearly 20 years old, Elf on the Shelf has gained traction in recent years as parents post extreme displays on social media − from elves getting stuck in the kitchen blender to making a mess in the bathroom with shaving cream.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
The concept — in place in a handful of Florida cities and a few dozen municipalities across the country — has gained traction among many local activists and officials as a productive way to address the challenges of homelessness.
—Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for traction 
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Adam Cheung, Glamour, 28 Nov. 2024
Emphasis On Sustainability Consumers and employees alike are concerned about sustainability, a trend that is only gaining traction as climate change looms large in people’s minds.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Nearly 20 years old, Elf on the Shelf has gained traction in recent years as parents post extreme displays on social media − from elves getting stuck in the kitchen blender to making a mess in the bathroom with shaving cream.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
The concept — in place in a handful of Florida cities and a few dozen municipalities across the country — has gained traction among many local activists and officials as a productive way to address the challenges of homelessness.
—Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for traction
Dictionary Entries Near traction
Cite this Entry
“Traction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traction. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
traction
noun
trac·tion
ˈtrak-shən
1
: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn
2
: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves (as of a wheel on a rail)
3
: a pulling force applied to a skeletal structure (as a broken bone) by using a special device
a traction splint
also
: a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction
Medical Definition
traction
noun
trac·tion
ˈtrak-shən
1
: the pulling of or tension established in one body part by another
2
: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device or apparatus
a traction splint
also
: a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction
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