training wheels

plural noun

: a pair of small wheels connected to the rear axle of a bicycle to help a beginning bicyclist maintain balance

—often used figuratively

… they took off the training wheels and threw 185.2 innings last season.

—Adam Burke

Examples of training wheels in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, in the past decade, El Ponce has slowly but surely pushed its food and drink forward, gently offering training wheels for Atlanta to explore and find respect for Latin American cuisine and culture at their own pace. — Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

The defense is the key, and as the offense looks to kick its training wheels, the D will hold things down. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Think of that extra water as training wheels for those tough plants. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026

The training wheels — or his leg brace, in this case — are now off heading into year two. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for training wheels

• snowmobiles
• abeles
• appeals
• conceals
• flywheels
• ideals
• newsreels
• ordeals
• repeals
• reveals
• automobiles
• beals

Kids Definition

training wheels

plural noun

: a pair of small wheels connected to the rear axle of a bicycle to help a beginning bicyclist keep balance