bicycle

[bahy-si-kuhl, -sik-uhl, -sahy-kuhl]

noun

1. a vehicle with two wheels in tandem, usually propelled by pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and having handlebars for steering and a saddlelike seat.

verb (used without object)

bicycled, bicycling 

1. to ride a bicycle.

verb (used with object)

bicycled, bicycling 

1. to ship or transport directly by bicycle or other means.

bicycle

/ ˈbaɪsɪkəl /

noun

1. Often shortened to: cycle.  bike. informal,  a vehicle with a tubular metal frame mounted on two spoked wheels, one behind the other. The rider sits on a saddle, propels the vehicle by means of pedals that drive the rear wheel through a chain, and steers with handlebars on the front wheel

verb

1. (intr) to ride a bicycle; cycle

Other Word Forms

• bicyclist noun
• bicycler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicycle¹

From French, dating back to 1865–70; bi- ¹, cycle

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicycle¹

C19: from _bi- ¹ + Late Latin cyclus , from Greek kuklos wheel

Example Sentences

Last year he posted a video on Instagram after he was in a bicycle accident in Connecticut.

From Los Angeles Times

Before dawn, he would pedal out there on an old bicycle, clearing weeds and feeding cows, the world silent except for the rustle of palm leaves.

From Los Angeles Times

San Bernardino County sheriff’s investigators in plain clothes searched the property, passing by a colorful kid’s bicycle leaning against a fence and a baby swing on the the porch.

From Los Angeles Times

"I don't think the crime is that bad but I don't like the bicycles in the town centre," Mr Wright said.

From BBC

It wasn’t until whispers began circulating that Muslim men were being held in a ceramics factory on the edge of town that she got on a bicycle and rode across Prijedor.

From Salon

Related Words

• bike