DictionaryAI

bicycle

BY-si-kuhl/ˈbaɪsɪk(ə)l/

Pluralbicycles

Verbbicycles, bicycling, bicycled

7 meanings of bicycle

Practice

  1. 1
    wheels and pedalsnouncountable
    A vehicle with two wheels, a seat, and handlebars that you ride by pushing pedals.

    Like a small machine you move using your own leg power instead of an engine.

    She rode her bicycle to school every day.

    My new bicycle has bright red wheels.

    UsageSay ride a bicycle and go by bicycle. People often just say bike.

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To ride a bicycle to get somewhere or to exercise.

    They bicycle to the lake on weekends.

    We bicycled along the coast all afternoon.

    UsagePeople more often say ride a bike, bike, or cycle: ride a bike to school.

    Similarcycle, bike, ride, pedal

    Note
  3. 3
    insult (woman)nounslangvulgarcountable
    A rude, insulting word for a woman believed to have many sexual partners.

    Word got around the village that she was the town bicycle.

    Some men cruelly branded any single woman the office bicycle.

    UsageUsually the town bicycle or the office bicycle. It is very rude, so don't call anyone this.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From French bicycle, made from bi- (meaning two) plus cycle. It first appeared in English in 1868.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 3 facts