tricycle

American  

[trahy-si-kuhl, -sik-uhl] / ˈtraɪ sɪ kəl, -ˌsɪk əl /

noun

1. a vehicle, especially one for children, having one large front wheel and two small rear wheels, propelled by foot pedals.

2. a velocipede with three wheels propelled by pedals or hand levers.

3. a three-wheeled motorcycle.

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tricycle British  

/ ˈtraɪsɪkəl /

noun

1. a three-wheeled cycle, esp one driven by pedals

2. a three-wheeler for invalids

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verb

1. (intr) to ride a tricycle

Other Word Forms

• tricyclist noun

Etymology

Origin of tricycle

From French, dating back to 1820–30; tri-, cycle

Explanation

For many kids, their first vehicle is a tricycle, or a small three-wheeled bike. Though a child's riding toy is what the word tricycle brings to mind, there are also adult-sized three-wheeled tricycles. A tricycle is safer and more stable than a bicycle with its two wheels, and some older or disabled people enjoy riding them. The original meaning of tricycle, in 1828, was "three-wheeled carriage," from the Greek treis, "three," and kyklos, "circle or wheel."

Example Sentences

She and her husband usually take turns pushing their 18-month-old daughter in a tricycle along the pathway and get their steps in.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

"These are the highest fuel prices I've ever experienced," said Romeo Cipriano, who has driven a tricycle for four decades.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

As compensation, Baird’s family gave her an adult tricycle that she occasionally rides through the streets wearing a neon purple helmet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Welcoming the donations, Mr Sarfo said the cash was used to fund their activities - including paying for rubbish disposal and buying fuel for their tricycle to transport rubbish to a refuse site.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2024

I shouted to Ashlee, who ignored me and pedaled off on the tricycle.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter