rider

noun

rid·​er ˈrī-dər How to pronounce rider (audio)
1
: one that rides
2
a
: an addition to a document (such as an insurance policy) often attached on a separate piece of paper
b
: a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object
3
: something used to overlie another or to move along on another piece
riderless adjective

Examples of rider in a Sentence

Watch out for bike riders while driving. She added a rider to her life insurance policy that increased her coverage. Congress added a rider to the health insurance bill.
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.
Here, The Athletic analyses the runners and riders. Sam Dalling, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 His bronc riders look more like pietàs in mud; his barrel racers scream like banshees on horseback. Casey Cep, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 Stories are legion of riders battling various ailments to stay in the competition, often against their own better judgment. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025 If Berrelez does not meet the criteria for completing the rider, the judge can impose the prison sentence. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rider

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rider was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rider. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rider

noun
rid·​er ˈrīd-ər How to pronounce rider (audio)
1
: one that rides
2
a
: an addition to a document
b
: an additional clause to a legislative bill
3
: something that lies over or moves along on another piece
the scale had riders to measure weight
riderless adjective

Legal Definition

rider

noun
rid·​er
1
: an addition to a document (as an insurance policy) often attached on a separate piece of paper
2
: a clause or provision appended to a legislative bill to obtain a usually distinct object

More from Merriam-Webster on rider

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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