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

During an indoor cycling workout, I tested the wearables against a chest strap that directly senses electrical heart signals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

"No one had managed to get fully cycling hair follicles like this before," she says.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

And she’s recently cut the ribbon on Café do Capa, an open-air capybara-themed stop along the cycling path.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

When he isn’t chasing a story, Bozeman is usually outdoors rock climbing, cycling, and hiking, or curled up with a good book.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Went cycling with Amélie and Mitraillette, my first sortie looking for landing fields—three girls on bicycles, you know, having a jolly afternoon out together, what could be more normal?

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein