three-speed

[ three-speed ]

noun

1. a system of gears having three forward gear ratios, especially on a bicycle.
2. a bicycle having such a system of gears.

adjective

1. having three forward gear ratios.

Word History and Origins

Origin of three-speed¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

In middle school, I rode to and from school on my Schwinn three-speed, books and band instrument hanging from my handlebars.

From Seattle Times

The only set of wheels he could afford was a black, three-speed bicycle.

From New York Times

She began the self-funded journey some two decades later, on Jan. 14, 1963, on “Roz,” a 37-pound man’s bike stripped of its three-speed derailleur and loaded with basic supplies, including blank notebooks and a compass.

From Washington Post

This powerful, three-speed massager makes it easy to give herself an excellent soft tissue massage while relaxing at home.

From The Verge

Also new is a three-speed automatic transmission coupled with a new torque sensor that now comes standard in all regions.

From The Verge