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

Four-time Tour de France winning legend Tadej Pogacar has won every race worth winning in cycling, and often by a country mile.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Robert enjoys tennis, cycling and spending time in Mexico and Italy with his wife and three daughters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 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

Sir Chris was speaking as registration opened for this year's Tour de 4, a cycling event he started to change perspectives on stage four cancer and raise money for cancer charities.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

But we were outside Ormaie and cycling tandem, me standing on the bar at the back and him pedaling because he was so much heavier than me, when the explosion came.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein