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

At the time, some retail executives in China dismissed the warehouse model, figuring it wasn’t suited to Chinese city-dwellers who lived in cramped apartments and got around by bicycle.

From The Wall Street Journal

In so doing, an old bicycle wheel may be fashioned into a roulette, or a broken chair transformed into the cabinet of a radio.

From The Wall Street Journal

One man rode his bicycle through the water, which reached the top of its wheels.

From Barron's

For Mr. McWilliams, next to nothing is irrelevant to the story of man and money, including the first bicycle craze, ca.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pilgrims come from across Mexico, arriving on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, bus and even wheelchair.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bike