hitchhike

verb

hitch·​hike ˈhich-ˌhīk How to pronounce hitchhike (audio)
hitchhiked; hitchhiking; hitchhikes

intransitive verb

1
: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
2
: to be carried or transported by chance or unintentionally
destructive insects hitchhiking on ships

transitive verb

: to solicit and obtain (a free ride) especially in a passing vehicle
hitchhiker noun

Examples of hitchhike in a Sentence

Her car broke down, so she had to hitchhike back home. He hitchhiked his way across the country last summer.
Recent Examples on the Web But Kathie, who had hitchhiked before, persuaded them to give it a try. Marisa Kwiatkowski, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024 Invasive zebra mussels, which hitchhiked into the lakes in 1989, are also found along the bottom of the lake. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for hitchhike 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hitchhike.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hitchhike was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near hitchhike

Cite this Entry

“Hitchhike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hitchhike. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

hitchhike

verb
hitch·​hike ˈhich-ˌhīk How to pronounce hitchhike (audio)
: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
hitchhiker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hitchhike

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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