bicycle

American  

[bahy-si-kuhl, -sik-uhl, -sahy-kuhl] / ˈbaɪ sɪ kəl, -ˌsɪk əl, -ˌsaɪ kəl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (intr) to ride a bicycle; cycle

Other Word Forms

• bicycler noun
• bicyclist noun

Etymology

Origin of bicycle

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

Explanation

A bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle that's propelled by foot pedals and steered with handlebars. They say you never forget how to ride a bicycle once you learn. When you travel to places like Amsterdam and Beijing you'll see people of all ages using bicycles as their major form of transportation. The word bicycle is also a verb, as in "I think I'll bicycle over to the bakery and buy some muffins." The word bicycle was coined in the 19th century from a combination of the Greek bi, or "two," and kyklos, "wheel."

Example Sentences

One reason we bicycle for a few hours most days is to break from unhealthful routines of mind and body.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The bicycle course featured four small bikes with training wheels, only suitable for young children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Among the works is a giant dinosaur fossil made from hammers, knives and spanners, a snake made from an old bicycle chain and a bull's nostrils formed from a vintage gas mask.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Earlier versions included a pink bicycle and a scene in which he imagined raising a child with his male crush, according to people who worked on the movie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Will leaned his rickety bicycle against the wall.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• bike