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velocipede

noun
ve·​loc·​i·​pede | \ və-ˈlä-sə-ˌpēd \

Definition of velocipede

: a lightweight wheeled vehicle propelled by the rider: such as
a : tricycle
b : a 3-wheeled railroad handcar
c archaic : bicycle
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Synonyms for velocipede

Synonyms

bicycle, bike, cycle, push-bike (also push bicycle) [British], two-wheeler

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Examples of velocipede in a Sentence

a museum with an interesting collection of 19th-century velocipedes

Recent Examples on the Web

 While there are competing claims for the first true motorcycle, this one is a Roper steam velocipede (or at least a very impressive re-creation). — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Check Out This 1860s Steam-Powered Motorcycle," 13 Apr. 2017 And whereas Snead might view the velocipede as a vehicle on which to multitask, a more cynical observer could find a metaphor here for the GM’s tenure. — Greg Bishop, SI.com, "Jared Goff Is Thriving at the Center of Les Snead’s Two-Phase Plan," 24 Oct. 2017 The velocipede, or Michaudine, was the first bicycle with pedals. — Austin Murphy, SI.com, "Veloci-Rapture: At 200 Years Old, A Look At the Bicycle’s Effect on Health, Sports and Culture," 24 July 2017 While there are competing claims for the first true motorcycle, this one is a Roper steam velocipede (or at least a very impressive re-creation). — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Check Out This 1860s Steam-Powered Motorcycle," 13 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'velocipede.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of velocipede

1818, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for velocipede

borrowed from French vélocipède, from Latin vēlōc-, vēlōx "swift, rapid" + -i- -i- -peda "having feet (of such a sort or number)," derivative of ped-, pēs "foot" — more at velocity, foot entry 1

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Time Traveler for velocipede

The first known use of velocipede was in 1818

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More from Merriam-Webster on velocipede

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with velocipede

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for velocipede

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about velocipede

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