bicycle

UK: ˈbaɪsɪkl | US: ˈbaɪsɪkəl

Definition

  1. n. a vehicle with two wheels, propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars.

Structure
bi <two>cycle <wheel>
Etymology

The word "bicycle" combines the prefix bi- (from Latin bis, meaning "two") and the root cycle (from Greek kyklos, meaning "wheel" or "circle"). The term emerged in the mid-19th century as a logical descriptor for the two-wheeled vehicle, replacing earlier names like "velocipede." The morphemes directly reflect the machine's defining feature: dual wheels in a circular motion.

Examples

  1. She rides her bicycle to work every morning.

  2. The child learned to balance on a bicycle without training wheels.

  3. They organized a charity bicycle race across the city.

  4. The bicycle lane was added to improve road safety.

  5. He repaired the flat tire on his bicycle himself.