unicycle

[yoo-nuh-sahy-kuhl]

noun

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.

verb (used without object)

unicycled, unicycling 

1. to ride a unicycle.

unicycle

/ ˈjuːnɪˌsaɪkəl /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• unicyclist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unicycle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unicycle¹

from _uni- + _cycle , on the model of _tricycle

Example Sentences

Pogacar is a rider without a pronounced weakness—he can climb, he can sprint, he could crush you on a unicycle—and it’s created an air of resignation within the sport.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Niu suffered a broken arm more than a decade ago after falling backwards off her unicycle while practicing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He can go out to his shed, look at the unicycle he hasn’t used for three years and know that someday he’ll give it another go.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mattress rides down the large entrance staircase were common as was fire twirling, juggling and unicycle riding.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Seattle Times