bicycle

1 of 2

noun

bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-si-kəl 

-ˌsi-,

 also  -ˌsī-

: a vehicle with two wheels tandem, handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is propelled

also : a stationary exercise machine that resembles such a vehicle

bicycle

2 of 2

verb

bicycled; bicycling ˈbī-si-k(ə-)liŋ 

-ˌsi-,

 also  -ˌsī-

intransitive verb

: to ride a bicycle

transitive verb

: to move (one's legs) as if pedaling a bicycle

Naomi and I lay on the bed, bicycling our legs in the air in the lazy giggly manner of summer …

—Sophie Masson

bicycler

ˈbī-si-klər 

-ˌsi-

 also  -ˌsī-

noun

bicyclist

ˈbī-si-klist 

-ˌsi-

 also  -ˌsī-

noun

Synonyms

Noun

• bike
• cycle
• push-bike [British]
• push bicycle
• two-wheeler
• velocipede [archaic]

Examples of bicycle in a Sentence

Noun

the range of the boy's explorations vastly expanded when he acquired his first bicycle

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Local media reported that the minors were riding a bicycle in the rain. —CBS News, 20 June 2024

This part of the Bourbon Trail has unique ways to see the area, including by bicycle or by riverboat. —Julia Eskins, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2024

Verb

In the meantime, New Yorkers going about their lives — walking to the park or subway, driving to the store or church, bicycling to work — shouldn’t be forced to be subjects of a technology experiment designed to make rich profiteers even richer. —Curtis Tate, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2024

During her visit, Snook bicycled between vineyards, reveled in breathtaking scenery, relaxed with spa treatments and engaged with sommeliers and winemakers, coming away with a new appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agriculture. —Christine Chitnis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from bi- + -cycle (as in tricycle)

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1869, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing bicycle

• bicycle shorts
• electric bicycle
• exercise bicycle
• mountain bicycle
• stationary bicycle
• tandem bicycle

Kids Definition

bicycle

1 of 2 noun

bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-ˌsik-əl 

-ˌsīk-

: a light vehicle with two wheels behind one another, handlebars, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is made to move

bicycle

2 of 2 verb

bicycled; bicycling -ˌsik(-ə)-liŋ 

: to ride a bicycle

bicycler

-lər 

noun

bicyclist

-ləst 

noun