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 Cambridge route picks up riders in Porter Square, Harvard Square, Central Square, MIT and Kendall Square. Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration took a major step Tuesday toward buying the downtown Chicago Greyhound station in a bid to maintain a building for intercity bus riders to embark and disembark. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 That’s not much faster than the speed of an average bicycle rider. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026 At Uke's Harley-Davidson, the Riding Academy continues to teach new riders how to handle a hog. Ricardo Torres, USA Today, 15 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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

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