handlebar

noun

han·​dle·​bar ˈhan-dᵊl-ˌbär 

: a straight or bent bar with a handle at each end

specifically : one used to steer a bicycle or similar vehicle

—usually used in plural

Examples of handlebar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cam flew over the handlebars, striking the pavement hard enough to lose consciousness almost instantly. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026

Then there’s heated handlebars and seats, floorboards, highway pegs, brake and gear-lever pads, heel-shifter, and the King Tour-Pak, like the Street Glide Limited above. — New Atlas, 6 July 2026

When Kennedy approached the rider and grabbed the handlebars to check whether the bike was registered, the rider refused to get off and allegedly tried to pull away. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Four years earlier, the council approved an ordinance that prohibited carrying passengers on the handlebars or rear bike racks not specifically made for additional riders. — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing handlebar

• handlebar mustache

Rhymes for handlebar

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• isobar

Kids Definition

handlebar

noun

han·​dle·​bar ˈhan-dᵊl-ˌbär 

: a bar with a handle (as for steering a bicycle) at each end

—usually used in plural