rickshaw

or rick·sha

[ rik-shaw, -shah ]

noun

1. a small, two-wheeled, cartlike passenger vehicle with a fold-down top, pulled by one person, formerly used widely in Japan and China.
2. cycle rickshaw ( def ).

rickshaw

/ ˈrɪkʃɔː; ˈrɪkʃə /

noun

1. Also calledjinrikisha a small two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or two men, used in parts of Asia
2. Also calledtrishaw a similar vehicle with three wheels, propelled by a man pedalling as on a tricycle

Word History and Origins

Origin of rickshaw¹

First recorded in 1875–80; by contraction of jinrikisha ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of rickshaw¹

C19: shortened from jinrikisha

Example Sentences

Those who must work - daily-wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, delivery riders - are coughing but still going out.

From BBC

Other measures include bans on engine-powered rickshaws and vendors that barbecue without filters.

From BBC

The sweet scent of food carts selling guava and bananas blends with blooming jasmine, burning incense, and the fragrant fumes of auto rickshaws driving by.

From Salon

“It was amazing - people of all ages and classes came out, from rickshaw pullers to high society people, there were families taking selfies with army officers. We were shouting and celebrating for a new Bangladesh.”

From BBC

Of one plot from “Seinfeld” involving Kramer’s business venture to have “homeless people pull rickshaws” because “they’re outside anyway,” the comedian asked, “Do you think I could get that episode on the air today?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• truck
• wagon