hike

[ hahyk ]

verb (used without object)

, hiked, hik·ing.

1. to walk or march a great distance, especially through rural areas, for pleasure, exercise, military training, or the like.

   Synonyms: backpack, trudge, trek, ramble, tramp

2. to move up or rise, as out of place or position (often followed by up ):

   My shirt hikes up if I don't wear a belt.

3. Nautical. to hold oneself outboard on the windward side of a heeling sailboat to reduce the amount of heel.

verb (used with object)

, hiked, hik·ing.

1. to move, draw, or raise with a jerk (often followed by up ):

   to hike up one's socks.

2. to increase, often sharply and unexpectedly:

   to hike the price of milk.

noun

1. a long walk or march for recreational activity, military training, or the like.
2. an increase or rise, often sharp and unexpected:

   a hike in wages.

hike

/ haɪk /

verb

1. intr to walk a long way, usually for pleasure or exercise, esp in the country
2. usually foll by up to pull or be pulled; hitch
3. tr to increase (a price)

noun

1. a long walk
2. a rise in prices, wages, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈhiker, noun

Other Words From

• hiker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hike¹

First recorded in 1800–10; perhaps dialectal variant of hitch ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hike¹

C18: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. take a hike, Slang. to go away because one's company is not desired.

More idioms and phrases containing hike

see take a hike .

Example Sentences

There was no surprise that the rate of inflation jumped again, reflecting the recent hike in the energy price cap.

From BBC

As such, voters might have felt that another wage hike was unnecessary, said Chris Thornberg, an economist who founded Beacon Economics, a research and consulting firm in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

But the potential impact of his proposed hikes in tariffs and mass deportation of undocumented immigrants throws uncertainty into the economy's future.

From Salon

These include the steep energy price hikes that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, rising general inflation, and increased competition from China.

From BBC

Both the twins were active beforehand, going hiking and kayaking, but Nicole now says that even getting her shopping in from the car can leave her breathless.

From BBC

Related Words

• backpack
• explore
• hoof it
• stroll
• tramp