Definition of Bicycle by Merriam-Webster

bi·cy·cle

|

ˈbī-si-kəl ,

-ˌsi-

also
-ˌsī-

Definition of bicycle

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a vehicle with two wheels tandem, handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is propelled

also

: a stationary exercise machine that resembles such a vehicle

bicycled;
bicyclingˈbī-si-k(ə-)liŋ,

-ˌsi-
also-ˌsī-

Definition of bicycle (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to move (one’s legs) as if pedaling a bicycle

Naomi and I lay on the bed, bicycling our legs in the air in the lazy giggly manner of summer … —Sophie Masson

Other words from bicycle

Verb

bicycler

ˈbī-si-klər,

-ˌsi-
also-ˌsī-

noun

bicyclist

ˈbī-si-klist,

-ˌsi-
also-ˌsī-

noun

Examples of bicycle in a Sentence

Noun

the range of the boy’s explorations vastly expanded when he acquired his first bicycle

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The journey is tough, especially when the aches and pains of riding a bicycle for a full day begin to hit.



Sheila Vilvens, Cincinnati.com, “At-risk teens surrender cell phones for a 500-mile bike ride to Niagara,” 6 July 2018

The two groups were separated by police officers on bicycles.



BostonGlobe.com, “‘America can’t do this.’ Protesters blast separation of families,” 30 June 2018

But Green said his design contains indoor parking space for 80 bicycles.



Kate Talerico, The Courier-Journal, “Parking for bikes but not cars? This development plan is going green,” 28 June 2018

The crash killed 49-year old Elaine Herzberg, who was crossing the street with a bicycle when Uber’s self-driving test car struck her at 39 mph.



Chaim Gartenberg, The Verge, “Safety driver of fatal self-driving Uber crash was reportedly watching Hulu at time of accident,” 22 June 2018

Making that switch, though, is like riding a bicycle.



Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, “A’s are different kind of warriors: drawing fans against the odds,” 17 June 2018

Kids Bike Ride to Safety Event, Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Get educated about the safety aspects of riding a bicycle and have the opportunity to develop skills via obstacle and skill courses and training stations.



Jennifer Jhon, South Florida Parenting, “Duck Fest, St. Patrick’s events planned for families this weekend in S. Florida,” 15 Mar. 2018

Riding a bicycle on Florida’s roadways can be hair-raising, dangerous and sometimes deadly.



David Schutz, Sun-Sentinel.com, “Which Broward County roads are safe for bicyclists? Search our map,” 13 July 2018

Three bicycles were stolen from an open garage at a residence.



Washington Post, “Crime reports for Anne Arundel and Howard counties and for Annapolis,” 12 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

For a second summer, Elgin’s northeast side will play host to a big day of bicycling that honors a fallen rider whose death prompted a change in state law.



Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, “Northeast side readies for 2nd Dennis Jurs Memorial Bike Race,” 3 July 2018

Alternative transportation refers to transportation other than driving in one’s car alone, including walking, bicycling, public transit, carpooling, and using ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.



John Laidler, BostonGlobe.com, “Salem calls for alternative transportation brainstorm from residents,” 2 July 2018

Some ski resorts, for example, have developed summer downhill bicycling programs, bringing tourists back to the hotels and restaurants in their communities.



Rhonda Abrams, USA TODAY, “10 tips for seasonal survival of your small business,” 23 May 2018

USA TODAY NETWORK Fifteen at-risk teens bicycling their way from Loveland to Niagara Falls will encounter their first big challenge before the journey begins.



Sheila Vilvens, Cincinnati.com, “At-risk teens surrender cell phones for a 500-mile bike ride to Niagara,” 6 July 2018

Robert Lackey was bicycling north on Brooks School Road near Broadmoor Drive when he was hit by a 2007 Buick SUV also traveling north, the Fishers Police Department said in a news release.



Mark Alesia, Indianapolis Star, “Bicyclist killed after being hit by car in Fishers,” 30 June 2018

Yoga, bicycling, and other fitness classes will also be offered in addition to a media-spa and athlete housing.



Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital named anchor tenant for performance/wellness village at Franklin’s Ballpark Commons,” 29 Mar. 2018

The designation of the trail adds to the list of work the SWWWW has done to advocate for walking and bicycling.



Quoron Walker, Courant Community, “Captain John Bissell Trail Officially Designated,” 10 July 2018

Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, bicycling or swimming, strengthens the heart and muscles, and boosts energy and endurance.



Helena Oliviero, ajc, “CDC report: Only 1 in 5 Georgia adults getting enough exercise,” 30 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word ‘bicycle.’ 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 bicycle

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1869, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bicycle

Noun

French, from bi- + -cycle (as in tricycle)

Learn More about bicycle

Statistics for bicycle

Last Updated

24 Sep 2018

Look-up Popularity

More Definitions for bicycle


English Language Learners Definition of bicycle

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a 2-wheeled vehicle that a person rides by pushing on foot pedals

bi·cy·cle

|

ˈbī-ˌsi-kəl

Kids Definition of bicycle

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a light vehicle having two wheels one behind the other, handlebars, a seat, and pedals by which it is made to move

bicycled;
bicyclingˈbī-ˌsi-kə-liŋ,
-ˌsi-kliŋ

Kids Definition of bicycle (Entry 2 of 2)

: to ride a bicycle

He bicycles to school every day.

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