When working with mechanisms there are 6 main types of motion

Irregular

This is motion with no discernible pattern, you can get this effect using an irregular cam and follower.

Intermittent

This describes motion that starts and stops regularly, like a Geneva stop mechanism.

Linear

This is simply motion in a straight line, like a train or going down a slide

Rotary

 This is the motion you’ll see most used in things like automata, it’s motion in a circle, like turning a handle on a wooden toy.

Oscillation

This is back and forth motion around a pivot point, like a metronome or somebody waving.

Reciprocating

This describes a continuous back and forth motion between two points like a piston in an engine.