bicycle

1 of 2

noun

bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-si-kəl How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsi-,
 also  -ˌsī-
: a vehicle with two wheels tandem, handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is propelled
also : a stationary exercise machine that resembles such a vehicle

bicycle

2 of 2

verb

bicycled; bicycling ˈbī-si-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsi-,
 also  -ˌsī-

intransitive verb

: to ride a bicycle

transitive verb

: to move (one's legs) as if pedaling a bicycle
Naomi and I lay on the bed, bicycling our legs in the air in the lazy giggly manner of summer …Sophie Masson
bicycler
ˈbī-si-klər How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsi-
 also  -ˌsī-
noun
bicyclist
ˈbī-si-klist How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsi-
 also  -ˌsī-
noun

Examples of bicycle in a Sentence

Noun the range of the boy's explorations vastly expanded when he acquired his first bicycle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Alcohol and bicycles are not permitted Saturday for all lines and Sunday on Rock Island trains. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Rogers will vote on: A resolution expressing the willingness of the city to use federal money to develop a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. Alex Golden, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Holly Lane, a resident who attempted to stop the dogs from attacking Chris Culbertson, the man who had been bicycling in the 3200 block of East 80th Street when the attack occurred Nov. 2. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025 While both burn calories, bicycling typically burns more calories than walking when both are done on flat ground. Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bicycle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from bi- + -cycle (as in tricycle)

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1869, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bicycle was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bicycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bicycle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

bicycle

1 of 2 noun
bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-ˌsik-əl How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
-ˌsīk-
: a light vehicle with two wheels behind one another, handlebars, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is made to move

bicycle

2 of 2 verb
bicycled; bicycling -ˌsik(-ə)-liŋ How to pronounce bicycle (audio)
: to ride a bicycle
bicycler noun
bicyclist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bicycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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