rickshaw

noun

rick·​shaw ˈrik-ˌshȯ 

variants or less commonly ricksha

plural rickshaws also rickshas

: any of various small doorless passenger vehicles used chiefly in Asia:

a

: a small 2-wheeled vehicle that is pulled by a person on foot, that holds one or two passengers, and that often has a folding top to protect the passenger seat

b

: a tricycle that has a seat for one or two passengers, a separate seat for a driver who pedals, and often a folding top to protect the passenger seat : pedicab

c

: a small three-wheeled motorized vehicle that typically has a driver's seat in front, a small passenger compartment in back, and a folding top or hardtop

Examples of rickshaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In late August, CNN witnessed half a dozen small peaceful protests in the capital Dhaka and south-eastern city of Cox’s Bazar – on niche issues such as doctors trying to prevent paramedics from gaining medical licenses, and rickshaw drivers campaigning against electric rickshaws. —Rebecca Wright, CNN, 3 Sep. 2024

The whole family piled into a rickshaw to the hospital. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2024

Kim shared photos on her Instagram Stories as she was welcomed by hotel staff who greeted her with flowers before the pair rode a rickshaw through Mumbai. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024

Everyone wants his own personal rickshaw and rice paddy. —John Pomfret, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

Word History

Etymology

alteration of jinrikisha

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rickshaw

noun

rick·​shaw

variants also ricksha

ˈrik-ˌshȯ 

: a small hooded carriage with two wheels that is pulled by one person and was used originally in Japan