unicycle
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of unicycle
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."
Vocabulary lists containing unicycle
Power Prefix: uni-
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uni-
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: uni-
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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.
I quickly convinced myself that these must be pictures of the legendary Unicycle Wranglers.
From BusinessWeek • Oct. 10, 2013
He was a standout member of a troupe of unicyclists that appeared in circuses and other events under such names as the Albuquerque Unicycle Club and the Unicycle Wranglers.
From BusinessWeek • Oct. 10, 2013
The Red Trouser Show, an acrobatic, juggling and comedy duo, will perform, along with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, which will offer “The Hell on Wheel Unicycle Stunt Show.”
From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2012
In addition to executing awesome maneuvers, the Cirkus and the Chatham Unicycle Club will run a Learn to Unicycle area for children 6 and older.
From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2012
Unicycle, ū-ni-sī′kl, n. an acrobat's cycle having but one wheel.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
