Bicycle Definition: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Words are woven into sentences in different ways, filling our speech with entirely new meanings. Suppose you examine the examples below closely. In that case, you will not only be able to more accurately define “bicycle” in your dictionary, but also notice how the singular and plural are used.

This word has several almost identical names that are used in both formal speech and casual conversation. Take a look at some of the words that most often accompany “bicycle.”

Related nouns: wheel chain frame helmet pedal handlebar

Synonyms (contextual): cycle bike (informal)

Common collocations: ride a bicycle bicycle frame bicycle lane bicycle shop

The combination of the word bicycle with other parts of speech allows you to use it in different ways. To avoid inaccuracies and fully convey your thoughts, we suggest familiarising yourself with the most common phrases and gaining a better understanding of what a bicycle means.

With adjectives: mountain bicycle racing bicycle tandem bicycle electric bicycle

With verbs: pedal a bicycle rent a bicycle lock a bicycle park a bicycle

With nouns (noun + noun): bicycle rack bicycle helmet bicycle chain bicycle tire

Expressions with set meanings, known as idioms, always capture the essence of the words used. This is also true for this word, as the following phrases demonstrate, and helps shed light on the use of “bicycle” in English.

• (Just) Like riding a bicycle — the skill of being able to easily resume an activity after a long break, because it was a previously mastered skill.

    If you had a lot of swimming lessons as a kid, it would be just like riding a bicycle for you.

• Need (something) (about) as much as a fish needs a bicycle — to have absolutely no need or benefit for anything.

    We already have enough things to do, so we need repairs right now, just like a fish needs a bicycle.

• Get back on the bike — to try something again after a failure or setback.

    After the breakup, she decided to get back on her bike and started dating.

• On your bike! — a rude way of asking someone to go away or leave alone.

    “Can you lend me some money?” “On your bike, mate!”

After reading the sections, you can confidently answer the question about how to spell “bicycle,” but it is no less critical to understand its meaning in everyday speech correctly. To assess your understanding, we suggest taking several tests.

The number of bicycles used varies in different countries, for example, in the Netherlands and Denmark, their popularity is considered to be the greatest in the world. However, even in countries where this mode of transport is not as widespread, it still has its name, so we suggest finding out how to say “bicycle” in other languages.

Humanity has always looked for a way to move not only faster, but also more environmentally friendly. And therefore, many interesting events constantly arise around bicycles, which are one of the most environmentally friendly types of transportation, some of which we will tell you about.

• Leonardo da Vinci did not invent the bicycle.

  In the Codex Atlanticus, an album created by the artist between 1480 and 1510, there is a drawing similar to a modern bicycle. However, this prototype was never built, which may be because historians later discovered that the drawing in question was only made around 1960 by an Italian monk. It was probably based on an original. However, it was lost.

• The world’s longest bike was 135 feet and 10.7 inches long.

  The bike was built by the oil and gas company Santos in collaboration with the University of South Australia and was the same length as two bowling alleys. To prove the record, it had to be able to travel 100 meters without touching the ground. After several failed attempts, the riders finally managed to find their balance and complete the task.

• Wooden bicycles were once quite common.

  The first bicycle was made almost entirely of wood, and several thousand were built and used. You might be wondering why the popularity of this type of transport has suddenly declined. Of course, it’s because of the increased number of accidents — the police banned it!

• Some bicycles are real masterpieces and costly pleasures!

  One of the most expensive bikes is the Crystal Edition Gold Bike by French manufacturer Aurumania. This track bike features a gold-plated frame, wheels and spokes, as well as 600 Swarovski crystals. At $101,000, it is possibly the most expensive bike available for purchase in the world.

• Bicycles create iconic installations.

  Chinese conceptual artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei has repeatedly used bicycles in his installations since 2008. This first occurred in his work, “Very Yao,” where he stacked 760 bicycles on top of each other, transforming them into a giant sculpture. In Eternal Bicycle, bicycles are again used in his installation.

• Riding a bicycle is 16 times cheaper than driving a car.

  Calculating the cost to society of individual modes of transport is a difficult task, but Germany’s Federal Environment Agency has it covered. In 2017, the agency concluded that every kilometre travelled by car costs society 5.66 cents. However, every kilometre travelled by bike costs only 0.39 cents.

Several studies claim that people who ride bicycles are happier than those who do not. There are several reasons for this, and perhaps that is why the bicycle description is so often used in the statements of famous writers and scientists.

— Albert Einstein

Explanation: This quote from the great scientist calls for tireless work, because even in the face of life’s difficulties, one must continue moving forward step by step.

— H. G. Wells

Explanation: Indeed, the excitement about the future of humanity is based on the fact that the bicycle often symbolizes health, simplicity, and environmental care — values that suggest people are capable of making good and responsible choices.

— George Weah

Explanation: This quote encourages you never to stop developing, because if you stop learning, you stop growing in knowledge and skills.