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

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

The six-time Olympic cycling champion revealed in October 2024 that doctors had told him he had between two and four years left to live.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“Okay, so I’m gonna have to go on a cleanse and add in some cycling and Pilates classes.”

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy