archaic
as in bike
a two-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by the use of pedals and steered through the use of handlebars a museum with an interesting collection of 19th-century velocipedes

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of velocipede My next bike, the red-and-yellow Big Wheel, had a lot in common with a velocipede known as the penny-farthing, which was invented in the eighteen-seventies. The New Yorker, 23 May 2022 In the late eighteen-sixties, New Yorkers took up the velocipede, a primitive version of the bicycle. John Seabrook, The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2021 Oakland Pedal Tours offers free velocipede shuttles between breweries, which are also within walking distance. Lisa Herendeen, The Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2019 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, 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, 24 Oct. 2017 The velocipede, or Michaudine, was the first bicycle with pedals. Austin Murphy, SI.com, 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, 13 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for velocipede
Noun
  • Whether your summer plans include a lakeside escape, a national park adventure, or as much beach time as possible, a bike is a game-changer.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025
  • Others include over-the-top racing bikes and opportunities to climb like a pro on fabled routes.
    Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Of course, as cars have become more powerful, the rules have evolved, too—with higher speed limits in some areas and restrictions on slower vehicles, like bicycles, from high-speed roads such as highways.
    Katy Knight, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • In a statement Friday, Atherton police Chief Steven McCulley said officers will be stepping up patrols in the area to bring more attention to bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle safety.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Velocipede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/velocipede. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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