joyride

[ joi-rahyd ]

noun

1. a pleasure ride in an automobile, especially when the vehicle is driven recklessly or used without the owner's permission.
2. a brief, emotionally exciting interlude.

verb (used without object)

, joy·rode, joy·rid·den, joy·rid·ing.

1. to go on a joyride.

joyride

noun

1. a ride taken for pleasure in a car, esp in a stolen car driven recklessly

verb

1. intr to take such a ride

Derived Forms

• ˈjoyˌriding, noun
• ˈjoyˌrider, noun

Other Words From

• joyrider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of joyride¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; joy + ride

Example Sentences

In response, a group of activists is fighting to ensure that trams remain a vital mode of transport rather than mere nostalgic joyrides.

From BBC

"They can be seen driving through the village waving GAA flags in a fashion which could best be described as joyriding while using the siren improperly," the North Antrim MP continued.

From BBC

When I lived in Santiago, Chile, last year, one young passenger jumped on a luggage belt and took a joyride.

From Seattle Times

Mack, UCLA’s freshman guard, ensured the Bruins’ late-season joyride continued Thursday night with a flurry of points, including a driving layup with a little more than two minutes left.

From Los Angeles Times

Police in Thailand have arrested a woman whose pet lion was pictured going on a joyride in the streets of Pattaya.

From BBC

Related Words

• amusement
• bliss
• comfort
• contentment
• enjoyment
• gratification
• hobby
• joy
• luxury
• satisfaction
• thrill