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  • present participle of cycle.

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 racingSports. 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.


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.

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Vocabulary lists containing cycling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

In Tweedbank, however, David Cumming said he also hoped it could pave the way for more pedestrian and cycling links.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

A columnist tested Hypershell’s X Ultra S, a $1,999 AI-powered bionic leg booster for hiking and cycling.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

It’s all just life, going over itself, returning and cycling and eating itself to grow.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

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