bicycle
A bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing pedals with your feet.
Explanation at your level:
A bicycle is a machine with two wheels. You sit on it and move your feet to make the wheels turn. It is a very good way to travel to school or work. You can ride a bicycle in the park for fun. It is healthy for your body.
A bicycle is a popular vehicle for short distances. Many people ride their bicycles to avoid traffic in the city. You need to wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle to stay safe. It is a simple and cheap way to get around.
Bicycles are widely used for both transportation and leisure. They are considered an eco-friendly alternative to cars because they do not produce emissions. Learning to ride a bicycle is a milestone for many children, and it is a skill that stays with you for life.
While the bicycle is a basic mechanical invention, its impact on urban mobility has been profound. In many European cities, bicycles are integrated into the public transport infrastructure. Using a bicycle is often faster than driving during peak rush hours.
The bicycle represents a paradigm shift in personal mobility. Beyond its utility, it has become a symbol of sustainable living and urban activism. The 'bicycle revolution' in modern city planning emphasizes the need for dedicated lanes and safety measures to encourage more citizens to choose cycling over motor vehicles.
Historically, the bicycle served as a catalyst for social change, challenging traditional gender roles and expanding the geographical range of the working class. Linguistically, the term has permeated our idioms, reflecting the deep integration of this technology into human cognition. Whether viewed as an engineering marvel or a cultural icon, the bicycle remains a cornerstone of modern, efficient, and healthy living.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A bicycle has two wheels.
- It is powered by pedals.
- It is good for the environment.
- It is a popular way to exercise.
A bicycle, often called a 'bike', is one of the most efficient machines ever created. It uses human energy to move you from place to place, making it a sustainable choice for travel.
You sit on the saddle (the seat), hold the handlebars to steer, and use your legs to push the pedals. Because it is small and nimble, it is perfect for short trips in busy cities or peaceful rides in the park.
Whether you are using it to commute to work, get some exercise, or just have fun on the weekend, the bicycle is a versatile tool. It is a symbol of freedom and independence for many people around the world.
The word bicycle comes from the prefix 'bi-' (meaning two) and the Greek word 'kyklos' (meaning circle or wheel). It literally means 'two-wheeled'.
The concept evolved in the 19th century. Early versions like the 'dandy horse' didn't even have pedals! By the late 1800s, the 'safety bicycle' was invented, which looked much like the bikes we ride today.
It changed society by giving people, especially women, a new way to travel independently. It became a cultural phenomenon that sparked changes in fashion and even road construction.
You use 'bicycle' in both casual and formal contexts. In casual conversation, most people just say 'bike'.
Common phrases include 'ride a bicycle' or 'go for a bike ride'. You might also hear people talk about 'commuting by bicycle' in a more professional or urban planning context.
It is a countable noun, so you can have 'a bicycle', 'two bicycles', or 'bicycles' in general. Use it whenever you are talking about cycling, transportation, or exercise.
1. Like riding a bike: Something you never forget how to do once you learn. Example: 'I hadn't skated in years, but it was like riding a bike.'
2. Bicycle face: An old-fashioned term from the 1890s describing the strained look of early cyclists. Example: 'Doctors used to warn women about bicycle face.'
3. Backpedal: To retreat from an opinion or promise. Example: 'He had to backpedal after his controversial statement.'
4. Get on your bike: A British slang way to tell someone to leave. Example: 'If you don't like it, get on your bike!'
5. Spin your wheels: To put in effort without making progress. Example: 'I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels at this job.'
The word bicycle is a regular noun. Its plural form is bicycles. It follows standard English article rules: 'I have a bicycle' or 'The bicycle is red.'
The pronunciation is /ˈbaɪ.sɪ.kəl/. The stress is on the first syllable: BY-si-cle. It rhymes with words like icicle or recycle.
As a verb, we usually say 'to cycle' or 'to ride a bike' rather than 'to bicycle', though 'to bicycle' is grammatically correct in formal writing.
Fun Fact
The term was coined in the 1860s.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'by' sound followed by 'si-kul'.
Similar to UK but with a softer 'sə' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'cy' as 'ky'
- Missing the 'l' at the end
- Stress on the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Articles
I have a bicycle.
Plurals
Two bicycles.
Verbs
I ride a bicycle.
Examples by Level
I have a red bicycle.
I own a red bike.
Indefinite article 'a'.
She rides her bicycle.
She is riding.
Third-person singular verb.
The bicycle is fast.
The bike has speed.
Subject-verb agreement.
I like my bicycle.
I enjoy it.
Possessive pronoun.
He bought a bicycle.
He purchased one.
Past tense verb.
My bicycle is new.
It is not old.
Adjective placement.
Can I ride your bicycle?
May I use it?
Modal verb 'can'.
The bicycle has two wheels.
It has 2 wheels.
Number usage.
I ride my bicycle to school every day.
Do you want to go for a bicycle ride?
He keeps his bicycle in the garage.
My bicycle needs a new tire.
She is learning to ride a bicycle.
Bicycles are cheaper than cars.
I parked my bicycle near the entrance.
They went on a long bicycle trip.
Cycling on a bicycle is great exercise.
I'm thinking of buying a racing bicycle.
The city is building more bicycle lanes.
He fell off his bicycle yesterday.
She is a professional bicycle racer.
We rented bicycles for the weekend.
The bicycle chain came off.
It's safer to ride a bicycle on the path.
The government is promoting bicycle commuting.
She is an advocate for bicycle safety.
The bicycle frame is made of lightweight carbon.
He is restoring a vintage bicycle.
Bicycle theft is a common problem in cities.
They organized a bicycle tour of the countryside.
The bicycle rack was completely full.
I prefer using a bicycle over public transport.
The introduction of the bicycle revolutionized personal transport.
Urban planners are prioritizing bicycle infrastructure.
He is a bicycle enthusiast who collects rare models.
The bicycle is an emblem of sustainable urban design.
Cyclists often face challenges in bicycle-unfriendly cities.
She maintains her bicycle with meticulous care.
The bicycle industry has seen a surge in demand.
Bicycle culture varies significantly across different countries.
The bicycle serves as a poignant metaphor for balance in life.
The proliferation of the bicycle transformed the social landscape.
He navigated the city using only his trusty bicycle.
The bicycle is an elegant solution to urban congestion.
Her research focuses on the history of the bicycle.
The bicycle is a testament to simple, functional design.
They completed a grueling bicycle trek across the continent.
The bicycle is arguably the most efficient machine ever built.
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"like riding a bike"
a skill you never forget
It's like riding a bike.
neutral"backpedal"
to retreat from a statement
He had to backpedal.
neutral"get on your bike"
go away
Get on your bike!
casual"spin your wheels"
waste effort
Stop spinning your wheels.
casual"bicycle face"
old term for a strained expression
It is an outdated concept.
literary"on your bike"
leave immediately
Time to be on your bike.
casualEasily Confused
similar suffix
three wheels vs two
Kids ride tricycles; adults ride bicycles.
similar suffix
engine vs pedals
Motorcycles are much faster.
spelling
ends in -cle
Check the spelling carefully.
shortened form
verb vs noun
I cycle to work on my bicycle.
Sentence Patterns
I ride a [noun].
I ride a bicycle.
The [noun] is [adjective].
The bicycle is fast.
He commutes by [noun].
He commutes by bicycle.
She is a [noun] enthusiast.
She is a bicycle enthusiast.
They organized a [noun] tour.
They organized a bicycle tour.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Bicycle is a noun, not usually used as a verb.
You don't need 'on' after ride.
Possessive apostrophe placement.
Redundant phrasing.
Spelling error.
Tips
Break it down
Bi means two, cycle means wheel.
Use 'bike' for friends
Keep 'bicycle' for formal writing.
Cycling culture
It is huge in places like the Netherlands.
Countable noun
Always use 'a' or 'the'.
Stress the first part
BY-si-cle.
Don't say 'bicycleing'
Use 'cycling' instead.
Did you know?
The first bicycles were made of wood.
Flashcards
Use pictures of bikes on your cards.
Rhyme it
Rhymes with icicle.
Pluralization
Just add 's'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
BI (two) + CYCLE (circle) = Two circles.
Visual Association
A bicycle with two big round wheels.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to identify five different types of bicycles.
Word Origin
French/Greek
Original meaning: two wheels
Cultural Context
None.
Symbol of independence and eco-friendly transport.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- park your bicycle
- bicycle rack
- ride to school
at work
- bicycle commute
- bicycle storage
- arrive by bicycle
travel
- rent a bicycle
- bicycle tour
- explore by bicycle
sports
- bicycle race
- mountain bicycle
- cycling team
Conversation Starters
"Do you know how to ride a bicycle?"
"What color is your bicycle?"
"Do you think bicycles are better than cars?"
"Where is the best place to ride a bike near here?"
"Have you ever been on a long bicycle trip?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your first time on a bicycle.
Describe your dream bicycle.
Why do you think people choose to ride bicycles?
Imagine a world without cars, only bicycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth are correct; bike is just shorter.
B-I-C-Y-C-L-E.
Yes, it is.
Usually no, depending on your country.
Yes, it is excellent cardio.
Depends on local laws.
Bicycles.
Greek 'bi' and 'kyklos'.
Test Yourself
I ride my ___ to school.
Bicycle is a common vehicle for students.
What does a bicycle have?
Bicycles are defined by having two wheels.
A bicycle is a motorized vehicle.
Bicycles are human-powered.
Word
Meaning
Matching parts to functions.
Subject-verb-adjective structure.
Score: /5
Summary
A bicycle is a simple, two-wheeled, human-powered vehicle that promotes health and sustainable travel.
- A bicycle has two wheels.
- It is powered by pedals.
- It is good for the environment.
- It is a popular way to exercise.
Break it down
Bi means two, cycle means wheel.
Use 'bike' for friends
Keep 'bicycle' for formal writing.
Cycling culture
It is huge in places like the Netherlands.
Countable noun
Always use 'a' or 'the'.
Example
I ride my bicycle to the park every weekend.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
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lobby
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backpack
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