rider

noun

rid·​er ˈrī-dər How to pronounce rider (audio)
Synonyms of ridernext
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.
The height requirement is 36 inches for riders accompanied by an adult. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026 For parents, commuters and riders, the outcome may affect where and when autonomous vehicles are allowed to operate. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026 Heybike has included several safety features like a magnetic kill switch that shuts off the power if the rider disconnects from the bike, a reverse assist that helps you back out of tight places, and throttle reset protection, which guards against unintentional launches. New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026 This has been updated to clarify how much a Blue Line rider might pay when traveling from O’Hare to the Loop. Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 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 5 Feb. 2026.

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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