tricycle

noun

tri·​cy·​cle ˈtrī-sə-kəl How to pronounce tricycle (audio)
-ˌsi-kəl
: a 3-wheeled vehicle propelled by pedals or a motor

Examples of tricycle in a Sentence

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.
Convertible tricycles are designed to grow with your child, from baby to just shy of standard-bike ready. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026 Participants are encouraged to bring their own tricycles, but there will be some available to rent for $10. Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 At Firefly Park Kids Club, for those aged 3 to 7, activities include the nifty feature of an outdoor play area equipped with tricycles. Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 Jack is hoping that his replacement adaptive tricycle will be red, which is his favorite color. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tricycle

Word History

Etymology

French, from tri- + Greek kyklos wheel — more at wheel

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tricycle was in 1868

Cite this Entry

“Tricycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tricycle. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

tricycle

noun
tri·​cy·​cle ˈtrī-ˌsik-əl How to pronounce tricycle (audio)
: a three-wheeled vehicle usually moved by pedals

More from Merriam-Webster on tricycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster