A1noun1K

Bicycle

UK /["/ˈbaɪsɪkl/"]/US /["/ˈbaɪsɪkl/"]/

Definition

a road vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing the pedals with your feet

In simple words: A two-wheeled vehicle that you ride by pedaling.

Examples

  • He got on his bicycle and rode off.
  • We went for a **bicycle ride** on Sunday.
  • She spent the day **riding her bicycle** around the lake.
  • a bicycle helmet/wheel
  • Did you come by bicycle?
  • I dismounted and began to push my bicycle up the hill.
  • She came off her bicycle when it skidded on some wet leaves.
  • She pedalled her bicycle up the track.

Usage notes

Commonly used in casual conversation and writing. Appropriate in neutral contexts. Avoid using in highly formal settings or technical jargon where specific types of bicycles may be discussed.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'bi-' meaning two and 'cycle' like a circle. A bicycle has two circular wheels.

Collocations

  • ride
  • get on
  • mount
  • ride
  • rider
  • chain
  • by bicycle
  • on a/​the bicycle
  • lean a bicycle against something
  • prop a bicycle against something

Synonyms

  • bike
  • pushbike
  • cycle

Antonyms

  • car
  • motorcycle
  • bus
  • train

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bicyclist', which refers to a person who rides a bicycle.
  • Mispronounced as 'bi-cycl' instead of 'bye-sickle'.
  • Used incorrectly in the plural form as 'bicycleses' instead of 'bicycles'.