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

The auction features Pee-wee’s iconic gray suit and other costumes, red Schwinn bicycles, dolls, puppets, claymation figures, scripts and more. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Electric bicycles were the focus of about nine bills introduced in the Legislature. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Verb

For many of his fans — some of whom wait outside the museum trying to get a glimpse of him — his favorite activities, including museum-hopping, bicycling and being out in nature, come as no surprise. — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

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

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