Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚲
Add to dictionary

bike

[baɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

A bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels that you ride by sitting on it and pushing two pedals with your feet. Bicycles are typically used for transportation, exercise, or sport.

Synonyms

bicycle, cycle, pushbike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
bike

Informal or casual conversations, often used in everyday speech.

  • I'm going to take my bike to the park.
  • Do you know how to fix a flat tire on a bike?
bicycle

Formal writing or speech, technical discussions, or when making a clear distinction about the type of vehicle.

  • She rides her bicycle to work every day.
  • The new bicycle model features advanced gear technology.
cycle

Commonly used in British English, or when part of compound words related to biking, such as 'cycling'.

  • He cycles through the countryside every weekend.
  • The cycle track near my house is quite popular.
pushbike

Informal and regional, particularly in British English. It is less common and may sound dated or old-fashioned.

  • My grandad still calls his bicycle a pushbike.
  • Kids often learn to ride on a pushbike before getting a proper one.

Examples of usage

  • I ride my bike to work every day.
  • She enjoys going for a bike ride in the park.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To bike means to ride a bicycle.

Synonyms

cycle, ride a bike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
bike

Commonly used in informal conversations or writing, referring to a bicycle or sometimes a motorcycle. Suitable for casual settings.

  • I ride my bike to work every day.
  • Do you want to go for a bike ride this weekend?
cycle

Frequently used in British English and can refer to the act of riding a bike, or the bike itself. Suitable for slightly formal contexts or when talking about the activity.

  • I cycle to the office every morning.
  • She enjoys cycling through the countryside.
ride a bike

Describes the action of riding a bicycle. Used in both casual and instructional contexts, emphasizing the activity rather than the object.

  • He learned to ride a bike when he was five years old.
  • You need to ride a bike carefully in heavy traffic.

Examples of usage

  • Let's bike to the beach this weekend.
  • He bikes to school every morning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first bicycle, known as the 'Dandy Horse,' was invented in Germany by Karl Drais in 1817.
  • Originally, bicycles had no pedals, and riders pushed along with their feet until pedals were added in the 1860s.

Cultural Significance

  • Bikes symbolize freedom and independence in many cultures, often associated with personal journeys and adventures.
  • In countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, bikes are a primary mode of transportation, highlighting a strong cycling culture.

Physics and Design

  • Bikes are based on the principles of balance and momentum, allowing riders to maintain stability as they move.
  • Different types of bikes, such as mountain bikes and road bikes, are designed for specific terrains and uses, showcasing engineering innovation.

Health Benefits

  • Riding a bike is great exercise, helping to strengthen the heart and improve overall fitness.
  • Studies show that regular cycling can boost mental health by reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Bikes have featured prominently in films and music, symbolizing youth and adventure, as seen in movies like 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.'
  • The phrase 'bike culture' represents a lifestyle that emphasizes cycling as both transportation and recreation, often celebrated in festivals and community events.

Origin of 'bike'

The word 'bike' is a short form of 'bicycle', which was first introduced in English in the 19th century. The concept of a two-wheeled vehicle propelled by pedals dates back to the early 19th century, with various inventors contributing to the development of the modern bicycle.

See also: biker, biking.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,387, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.