unicycle

[ yoo-nuh-sahy-kuhl ]

noun

1. a vehicle with one wheel, especially a pedal-driven device kept upright and steered by body balance, commonly used by acrobats and other performers.

verb (used without object)

, u·ni·cy·cled, u·ni·cy·cling.

1. to ride a unicycle.

unicycle

/ ˈjuːnɪˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. a one-wheeled vehicle driven by pedals, esp one used in a circus, etc Also calledmonocycle

Derived Forms

• ˈuniˌcyclist, noun

Other Words From

• uni·cyclist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unicycle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; uni- + cycle

Word History and Origins

Origin of unicycle¹

from uni- + cycle , on the model of tricycle

Example Sentences

He can go out to his shed, look at the unicycle he hasn’t used for three years and know that someday he’ll give it another go.

From Los Angeles Times

Mattress rides down the large entrance staircase were common as was fire twirling, juggling and unicycle riding.

From Los Angeles Times

One study found that participants were half as likely to notice a clown on a unicycle — a cheeky touch — while walking and talking on a phone.

From Seattle Times

A man who was riding an electric unicycle on a pavement when he hit an 88-year-old pedestrian, causing fatal injuries, has been jailed.

From BBC

“Jamie is an excellent bicycle rider, as you know. And can even ride a unicycle.”

From Seattle Times