1
: to sit on and control the movements of (a horse, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.)
She learned how to ride a horse when she was young.
Most children learn to ride a bicycle at an early age.
He rides his motorcycle to work every day.
I never rode on a horse before.
She got on her bicycle and rode away.
2
a
: to travel to a place as a passenger on or in (something that is moving, such as a bus, a train, or an elevator)
(chiefly US)
He decided to walk to the movies instead of riding the bus.
She rides the subway home from school.
They rode the elevator/escalator to the second floor.
We rode through the park in a horse-drawn carriage.
The dog rode in the back of the truck.
He has never ridden aboard a cruise ship.
b
: to go on a mechanical ride at an amusement park or similar place
We rode on the Ferris wheel.
We rode the roller coaster five times.
3
chiefly US
: to travel over or on (a road, railway, trail, etc.) in a car, on a train, on a bicycle, etc.
He spends hours riding the back roads in his truck.
riding the rails
We rode the bike trails for hours.
4
of a vehicle
: to move over the surface of a road in a specified way
The car rides smoothly/well.
5
: to be supported or carried on (a wave) : to move on (a wave)
We watched the surfers riding the waves.
6
US, informal
: to criticize or make jokes about (someone) constantly or frequently in usually a harsh or annoying way
The fans have been riding him pretty hard.
plural rides
1
a
: a usually short journey in or on a vehicle
a two-hour car ride
We went for a ride in the country.
He took me for a ride on his motorcycle. = He gave me a ride on his motorcycle.
I had my first ride in a limousine.
Can I take your bike for a ride? = Can I go for a ride on your bike? [=can I ride your bike?]
Can you give me a ride [=lift] back to town?
I need a ride to work.
She caught/hitched a ride with her coworker.
b
: a usually short journey on a horse or other animal
We went on a horseback ride.
The kids had a ride on a horse.
They offered pony rides at the fair.
2
—used to describe what the experience of riding in a car or other vehicle is like —usually singular
The car has/offers a smooth/comfortable ride.
The road wasn't paved, so we had a pretty bumpy ride.
—often used figurativelyInvestors are preparing for a bumpy/rough ride [=a difficult time] in the stock market.
3
a
: a large machine at an amusement park, fair, etc., that people ride on for enjoyment
The Ferris wheel is my favorite ride.
b
: the act of riding on such a machine
We went for a ride on the roller coaster.
Cite this Entry
“Ride.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ride. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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