bicycle

1 of 2

noun

bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-si-kəl 

-ˌsi-

also -ˌsī-

: a vehicle with two wheels tandem, handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is propelled

also : a stationary exercise machine that resembles such a vehicle

bicycle

2 of 2

verb

bicycled; bicycling ˈbī-si-k(ə-)liŋ 

-ˌsi-

also -ˌsī-

intransitive verb

: to ride a bicycle

transitive verb

: to move (one's legs) as if pedaling a bicycle

Naomi and I lay on the bed, bicycling our legs in the air in the lazy giggly manner of summer …

—Sophie Masson

bicycler

ˈbī-si-klər 

-ˌsi-

also -ˌsī-

noun

bicyclist

ˈbī-si-klist 

-ˌsi-

also -ˌsī-

noun

Synonyms of bicycle

Noun

• bike

Examples of bicycle in a Sentence

Noun

the range of the boy's explorations vastly expanded when he acquired his first bicycle

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Active travelers will appreciate the gear shed, stocked with bicycles, helmets, backpacks, hiking sticks, binoculars, guitars, cameras, hoverboards, and basketballs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

The man then appears to stab and slash the tires of a bicycle in front of the building before storming off, the video shows. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

The displays will focus on the science and psychology of adventure sports, including rock climbing, bicycling and walking a high line. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Those who took part swam 1,500 meters in Lake Michigan, bicycled nearly 25 miles, and then ran a 10k. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from bi- + -cycle (as in tricycle)

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1869, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing bicycle

• bicycle shorts
• electric bicycle
• exercise bicycle
• fixed-gear bicycle
• fixed-wheel bicycle
• mountain bicycle
• road bicycle
• stationary bicycle
• tandem bicycle

Rhymes for bicycle

• icicle

Kids Definition

bicycle

1 of 2 noun

bi·​cy·​cle ˈbī-ˌsik-əl 

-ˌsīk-

: a light vehicle with two wheels behind one another, handlebars, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is made to move

bicycle

2 of 2 verb

bicycled; bicycling -ˌsik(-ə)-liŋ 

: to ride a bicycle

bicycler

-lər 

noun

bicyclist

-ləst 

noun