bicycle

[bahy-si-kuhl, -sik-uhl, -sahy-kuhl]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. (intr) to ride a bicycle; cycle

Other Word Forms

• bicyclist noun
• bicycler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicycle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicycle¹

C19: from _bi- ¹ + Late Latin cyclus , from Greek kuklos wheel

Example Sentences

The region's main border crossing, at Doropo, was open, and people and bicycles travelled back and forth quietly under the blazing sun.

Read more on Barron's

Indian sprang from a bicycle manufacturer founded in 1897, but struggled for survival for much of its history.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 2008, he retired from that firm — now simply called Evercore Inc. — after he was seriously injured in a bicycling accident.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In 2008, he retired from that firm — now simply called Evercore, Inc. — after he was seriously injured in a bicycling accident.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

New parks, bicycle lanes and metro lines reshaped life in the city, where around 1.4 million people live.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bike