bicycle

1 of 2

noun

bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-si-kəl How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-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 How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-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 How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsi-
 also  -ˌsī-
noun
bicyclist
ˈbī-si-klist How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsi-
 also  -ˌsī-
noun

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The town is commissioning a study to define the boundaries of the town's right-of-way and to review and analyze intersecting roads for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle safety on three roads: Redding, Mill Plain and Sturges. Brian Gioiele, Connecticut Post, 1 Nov. 2024 That isn’t sitting too well with craft brewers, bicycle makers and other small companies forced to adjust to the trade policies, which the Biden administration largely preserved, over the past six years. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 34, was spotted bicycling through the city — which is the latest stop on his girlfriend Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and — amid some down time on Saturday, July 6. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 6 July 2024 Slip and fall Before and during her trouble-free pregnancy, Lucido ran, lifted weights and bicycled. Sandra G. Boodman, Washington Post, 22 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for bicycle 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bicycle was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near bicycle

Cite this Entry

“Bicycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bicycle. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bicycle

1 of 2 noun
bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-ˌsik-əl How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-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 How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
: to ride a bicycle
bicycler noun
bicyclist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bicycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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