A gait is the particular way a person or animal walks or runs. Everyone has their own natural gait: some people take long strides, others short quick steps. Some bounce when they walk, others glide smoothly along. You might recognize a friend from far away just by their distinctive gait, even before you can see their face.

Animals have characteristic gaits too. A horse has several gaits with specific names: walk, trot, canter, and gallop, each faster than the last. A camel's rolling, swaying gait comes from moving both legs on one side, then both on the other. Scientists who study dinosaurs try to figure out their gaits from fossilized footprints, calculating how fast different species could move.

Doctors and physical therapists pay attention to gait because it reveals information about someone's health. An unsteady or limping gait might indicate an injury. Athletes and runners sometimes work to improve their gait, making their movements more efficient so they can run faster or longer without getting as tired.