bicycle

American  

[bahy-si-kuhl, -sik-uhl, -sahy-kuhl] / ˈbaɪ sɪ kəl, -ˌsɪk əl, -ˌsaɪ kəl /

noun

1. a vehicle with two wheels in tandem, usually propelled by pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and having handlebars for steering and a saddlelike seat.

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verb (used without object)

bicycled, bicycling

1. to ride a bicycle.

verb (used with object)

bicycled, bicycling

1. to ship or transport directly by bicycle or other means.

bicycle British  

/ ˈbaɪsɪkəl /

noun

1. Often shortened to: cycle.   bike.  informal a vehicle with a tubular metal frame mounted on two spoked wheels, one behind the other. The rider sits on a saddle, propels the vehicle by means of pedals that drive the rear wheel through a chain, and steers with handlebars on the front wheel

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verb

1. (intr) to ride a bicycle; cycle

Other Word Forms

• bicycler noun
• bicyclist noun

Etymology

Origin of bicycle

From French, dating back to 1865–70; bi- ¹, cycle

Example Sentences

The bicycle course featured four small bikes with training wheels, only suitable for young children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Scotland's home kit is already associated with moments such as Scott McTominay's overhead bicycle kick and Husband hopes the away kit will bring the same success.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

With its bicycle rides, family meals and general aura of awakening, “Miroirs No. 3” unfolds with cautious hope, if only because we know a reckoning is coming and what’s unsaid will have to be addressed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Earlier versions included a pink bicycle and a scene in which he imagined raising a child with his male crush, according to people who worked on the movie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

As we park, a sixth grader wheels by on a bicycle, a clear plastic trash bag of links over his shoulder.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• bike