hitchhike

[ hich-hahyk ]

verb (used without object)

hitchhiked, hitchhiking.

1. to travel by standing on the side of the road and soliciting rides from passing vehicles.

verb (used with object)

hitchhiked, hitchhiking.

1. to ask for or get (a ride) by hitchhiking.

noun

1. an act or instance of hitchhiking.

hitchhike

/ ˈhɪtʃˌhaɪk /

verb

1. intr to travel by obtaining free lifts in motor vehicles

Derived Forms

• ˈhitchˌhiker, noun

Other Word Forms

• hitchhiker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hitchhike¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; hitch ¹ + hike

Example Sentences

After his sophomore year he dropped out to find himself and embarked on a “pre-beatnik hitchhiking” trip and worked construction jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

These "hitchhiking intruders" have included a tree frog that emerged from roses at a florist's shop in Sheffield and snakes discovered in ornamental olive trees shipped across mainland Europe.

From BBC

“I don’t care if you were driving a Bentley or you were hitchhiking to the beach. You knew the Craw and you loved the Craw.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those who chose to walk up PCH tried their luck hitchhiking with the few vehicles that had been able to cross into the evacuation zone.

From Los Angeles Times

Once in the woods, Napoletano asked to be let out of the car to go to the bathroom, and hitchhiked back to Placerville.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hitch