cycling

American  

[sahy-kling] / ˈsaɪ klɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or sport of riding or traveling by bicycle, motorcycle, etc.

2. Also called bicycle race.  Also called bicycle racing.  Sports. a race on lightweight bicycles with low handlebars, conducted for specified distances or against time on a dirt or board track or over public roads between cities.

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Etymology

Origin of cycling

First recorded in 1935–40; cycle + -ing ¹

Explanation

When you ride a bicycle, you are cycling. Sometimes, though less often, it also is used to refer to motorcycle riding. The roots of the word cycling are ancient. Both Latin and Greek have similar words that mean "circle, wheel." It's only natural, then, that a two-wheeled vehicle should be a bicycle and that cycling involves riding that vehicle. Occasionally, it can be used as a verb describing something going through a cycle, like a dishwasher cycling through.

Example Sentences

This “prime-age” group’s participation rate has held near multidecade highs—evidence that the overall decline in participation is being driven by an aging population cycling out of the workforce rather than discouraged workers giving up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

In 2021, she was a project manager for a company dedicated to the graphic design and cartography for international cycling events, such as World Championships or Tour de France.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Tour boats took curious sightseers to gaze at North Koreans cycling along the Yalu river separating the two countries or cleaning boats on the bank.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

His cycling challenge, which began in Weymouth and ends in Edinburgh, has already raised more than £1.6m for Comic Relief.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

There were always women cycling on and off the team, as no one’s ranking was guaranteed.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad