Definition of bicycle

Short definition: The word bicycle means a two-wheeled vehicle that people ride by pedaling with their feet. Bicycles are commonly used for travel, exercise, and fun, offering an easy and healthy way to move from one place to another.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word bicycle? The word bicycle is used to talk about one of the most common and useful vehicles in everyday life. People ride bicycles for fun, for exercise, and for daily travel. From children learning to balance for the first time to adults commuting to work, bicycles are part of many life stories. Below, each meaning is explained in a simple and natural way, so it feels easy, clear, and friendly.

bicycle n., v. /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/

Forms: bicycle, bicycles, bicycled, bicycling
Related: bike n., cyclist n., cycling n.
Syllable: bi-cy-cle

  1. A vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pedaling.

    A bicycle is a simple vehicle with two wheels, a seat, and pedals that you move with your feet. Instead of using fuel, it uses human power, making it healthy and environmentally friendly. People use bicycles for short trips, exercise, and even long adventures on the road.

    He rides his bicycle to school every morning.
    She bought a new bicycle to stay active and fit.
    They explored the city on their bicycles.

    Synonyms: bike, cycle, two-wheeler, pedal bike, road bike, mountain bike, push bike, riding bike, touring bike, commuter bike, sport bike, casual bike
    Antonyms: car, motorcycle, bus, truck, scooter, train, taxi, van, automobile, motorbike, vehicle with engine, motor vehicle

  2. A way to travel that is healthy and eco-friendly.

    Bicycle also refers to the idea of cycling as a lifestyle choice. Many people choose bicycles to reduce pollution, save money, and stay physically active. In this sense, a bicycle represents freedom, independence, and care for the environment.

    Using a bicycle helps reduce traffic and pollution.
    She prefers her bicycle over driving short distances.
    The city encourages people to use bicycles more often.

    Synonyms: green transport, eco ride, healthy commute, clean vehicle, pedal transport, sustainable travel, active transport, low-carbon travel, fitness ride, eco-friendly ride, human-powered travel, smart transport
    Antonyms: fuel transport, gas vehicle, heavy traffic, polluting ride, engine-powered travel, high-emission vehicle, car commute, motor transport, fuel-based travel, pollution source, traffic-heavy travel, gas-powered ride

  3. A fun activity and hobby.

    For many people, a bicycle is not just transportation but also fun. Riding can be a hobby, a sport, or a way to relax and clear the mind. Families, friends, and athletes all enjoy bicycles in different ways.

    Riding her bicycle helps her relax after work.
    He spends weekends fixing and riding his bicycle.
    Children love learning to ride a bicycle.

    Synonyms: fun ride, leisure activity, outdoor hobby, cycling fun, sport ride, weekend ride, fitness hobby, recreational cycling, pleasure ride, active pastime, outdoor fun, exercise ride
    Antonyms: boring routine, inactive time, lazy habit, indoor inactivity, screen time, idle activity, sitting pastime, passive hobby, couch time, no-exercise habit, dull activity, still time

  4. To ride a bicycle.

    As a verb, bicycle means to travel by riding a bike. It describes the action of pedaling and moving forward on two wheels. People often use it in written or formal English.

    He bicycled across the park this morning.
    She bicycles to work whenever possible.
    They plan to bicycle along the coast this weekend.

    Synonyms: ride a bike, cycle, pedal, bike around, ride on two wheels, commute by bike, tour by bike, travel by bicycle, pedal along, bike ride, cycle through, bike travel
    Antonyms: drive, walk, take the bus, ride a motorcycle, travel by car, use public transport, commute by train, take a taxi, motor travel, engine commute, ride by scooter, car travel

  5. A symbol of freedom and independence.

    For many people, a bicycle represents freedom. It may remind them of childhood, first adventures, and learning to explore alone. In this sense, the bicycle is more than an object, it becomes part of personal memories.

    His first bicycle made him feel independent.
    She still remembers the joy of her first bicycle.
    The old bicycle reminded him of simple times.

    Synonyms: freedom symbol, childhood memory, independence sign, adventure ride, personal transport, first freedom vehicle, memory bike, youth symbol, life-milestone ride, growing-up vehicle, self-reliance symbol, simple joy object
    Antonyms: restriction, dependence, limited movement, controlled travel, lack of freedom, confined life, stuck feeling, tied-down state, helpless travel, forced transport, limited independence, restricted mobility

An Explanation of the Word "bicycle" in an Image

A classic black road bicycle with tan tires standing on a dirt path beside a lake, surrounded by green trees in warm afternoon light.
A classic road bicycle resting on a quiet trail near a lake, captured in warm afternoon light that highlights its elegant design and peaceful outdoor setting.

Conversation Using the Word Bicycle

This conversation takes place between two friends talking about daily transportation. It shows how the word bicycle is used in everyday situations.

Daniel: How do you get to work every day?

Laura: I usually ride my bicycle.

Daniel: That sounds healthy.

Laura: It is, and it saves money too.

Daniel: Do you ride even when it rains?

Laura: Sometimes, but only if it’s safe.

Daniel: I should try cycling more.

Laura: You should. A bicycle can change your daily routine.

Daniel: Maybe we can ride together this weekend.

Laura: That sounds like a great plan.

Phrases Containing the Word Bicycle

The phrases below show how the word bicycle is used to talk about daily transport, exercise, and lifestyle choices.

Ride a bicycle

To use a bike for travel.

I ride a bicycle to work every day to stay healthy and avoid traffic.

Bicycle lane

A road for bikes.

The city built a new bicycle lane to keep cyclists safe.

Bicycle helmet

Safety gear.

Wearing a bicycle helmet can prevent serious injuries.

Bicycle shop

A place to buy bikes.

I stopped by the bicycle shop to fix my brakes.

Bicycle trip

A ride for fun.

We planned a bicycle trip along the beach road.

Bicycle ride

Time spent cycling.

A bicycle ride in the morning helps clear my mind.

Bicycle repair

Fixing a bike.

Bicycle repair is cheaper than buying a new one.

Bicycle parking

Place to leave bikes.

The mall has special bicycle parking near the entrance.

Bicycle race

A cycling competition.

He trained hard for the bicycle race next month.

Bicycle path

A route for cyclists.

The bicycle path through the park is very peaceful.

Bicycle tour

A long ride for fun.

They went on a bicycle tour across the countryside.

Bicycle rental

Renting a bike.

Bicycle rental is popular with tourists in this city.

Bicycle safety

Riding carefully.

Bicycle safety should be taught in schools.

Bicycle journey

A cycling trip.

Her bicycle journey taught her patience and confidence.

Bicycle commute

Going to work by bike.

My bicycle commute saves money and reduces pollution.

Bicycle accident

An incident while riding.

After the bicycle accident, he always wears protective gear.

Bicycle culture

Community of cyclists.

The city has a strong bicycle culture.

Bicycle workout

Exercise by cycling.

A bicycle workout is good for your heart.

Bicycle lifestyle

Living as a cyclist.

She chose a bicycle lifestyle to stay fit.

Bicycle adventure

A fun cycling experience.

Their bicycle adventure lasted all summer.

Words Rhyme with bicycle

tricycle
motorcycle
unicycle
recycle
icicle
popsicle
article
particle
miracle
tentacle
chronicle
spectacle
obstacle
vehicle
muscle
rascal
fiscal
classical
practical
electrical
optical
logical
typical
radical
chemical
physical
magical
identical
historical
POS: Noun  Category: Vehicles