unicycle

American  

[yoo-nuh-sahy-kuhl] / ˈju nəˌsaɪ kəl /

noun

• unicycles
  plural

1. a vehicle with one wheel, especially a pedal-driven device kept upright and steered by body balance, commonly used by acrobats and other performers.

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verb (used without object)

unicycled, unicycling

1. to ride a unicycle.

unicycle British  

/ ˈjuːnɪˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. Also called: monocycle. a one-wheeled vehicle driven by pedals, esp one used in a circus, etc

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unicyclist
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• unicycles
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of unicycle

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; uni- + cycle

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Explanation

You might see a unicyle, or a bicycle-like vehicle with only one wheel, ridden by a clown at the circus. It's harder to ride a unicycle than a bicycle, since you have to balance on a single wheel. Acrobats and other performers often ride unicycles and sometimes even do tricks like balancing on a tightrope while perched on the seat of a unicycle. The Latin prefix uni gives you a clue about the meaning of this word, since it means "one." In unicycle, it's combined with "cycle," which comes from the Greek word kyklos, "circle or wheel."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unicycle unicycles unicycled unicycling

It stocks household items, equipment and tools, as well as some more unusual items including bunting, a unicycle and a popcorn maker.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

A man on a unicycle brandished a sign, inspired by J.R.R.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 8, 2026

She has since been a staple at NBA games and numerous other athletic events, with her signature routine of using her feet to flip bowls onto her head while balancing high on her unicycle.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2025

One study found that participants were half as likely to notice a clown on a unicycle — a cheeky touch — while walking and talking on a phone.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 28, 2024

There, there, right there, next to a man on a unicycle juggling swords.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

The regulations also cover other electric transportation devices, such as electric unicycles and hoverboards.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

On racks behind the school, there are enough bicycles, unicycles and inline skates for every student.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2023

The journalist Luke Bailey tweeted images of AI-generated unicycles that were laughably off base.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 31, 2023

The staff at Rad said, aside from skateboards, scooters, bikes and rollerblades, they have also seen unicycles and even someone in a wheelchair riding and doing tricks in their park.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 27, 2016

That future — one where electric skateboards, unicycles, and scooters become viable modes of transportation — felt a lot further away before this week.

From The Verge ● Jan. 9, 2016

Based in Michigan, Torrans has unicycled the likes of Pikes Peak’s Barr Trail and the Whole Enchilada, the full-day epic in Moab.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 8, 2022

He opted for the freedom of the road and the greater freedom of mountain unicycling.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 8, 2022

“The guy can squat a house, it’s hard to keep up,” said Shiffrin, who got revenge with a unicycling challenge in a neighborhood cul-de-sac.

From New York Times ● Feb. 5, 2022

A daredevil geologist finds fitness bliss landing 13-foot drops while unicycling down uneven terrain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2018

I started unicycling with the rest of my family about 12 years ago, but every week it felt like I was starting all over again, while others progressed.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 30, 2016

Rollerblading leads to hover boarding which leads to electric unicycling.

From Economist ● Aug. 11, 2016

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