riding

1 of 3

noun (1)

rid·​ing ˈrī-diŋ How to pronounce riding (audio)
Synonyms of ridingnext
: the action or state of one that rides

riding

2 of 3

adjective

1
: used for or when riding
a riding horse
riding boots
2
: operated by a rider
a riding mower

riding

3 of 3

noun (2)

ri·​ding ˈrī-diŋ How to pronounce riding (audio)
1
: one of the three administrative jurisdictions into which Yorkshire, England, was formerly divided
2
: an administrative jurisdiction or electoral district in a British dominion (such as Canada)

Examples of riding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Community access to riding, pickleball, and trails is included; Dallas is about a 45-minute drive. The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Apr. 2026 The riding of the bus or the sweeping of one’s floor before starting one’s work might be part of that process of getting to someplace unknown. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 During the trial, however, the jury was shown an image that depicted the 7-year-old riding in the back of Horner’s FedEx truck on her knees, while still awake and active, according to the Associated Press. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 The ranch is suited for activities such as swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting and trail riding. Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riding

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English -redying or trithing, alteration of Old English *thriding, from Old Norse thrithjungr third part, from thrithi third; akin to Old English thridda third — more at third entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of riding was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riding. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

riding

adjective
rid·​ing
ˈrīd-iŋ
1
: used for or when riding
riding boots
2
: operated by a rider
a riding mower

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