hitchhike

verb

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

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

Synonyms of hitchhike

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
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.
The two traveled to Chippewa County, Michigan, and hitchhiked to Kincheloe once the car broke down, officials said. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 14 June 2026 Joe, who grew up a closeted teen in Kansas City facing abuse by his father, hits the road hitchhiking. Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Hinson, whose parents lived in Tennessee, frequently hitchhiked across the country. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school. ABC News, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hitchhike

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hitchhike was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hitchhike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hitchhike. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

hitchhike

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

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