Hitchhiked: meaning, definitions and examples

traveling by car

Hitchhiked refers to the action of soliciting a ride from passing vehicles by standing on the roadside and raising one's thumb or a sign. It is typically done by travelers who do not have their own vehicle and seek to reach a destination by relying on the goodwill of drivers. This practice can be associated with adventure, spontaneity, and sometimes risks related to safety and reliability. Though it was more common in previous decades, some people continue to hitchhike today, often in remote or rural areas.

autostop, ride share, thumb a ride

Examples of usage

• He hitchhiked across the country.

• They decided to hitchhike to the music festival.

• After losing their car, the couple hitchhiked home.

• He often hitchhiked during his summer travels.

• She was not afraid to hitchhike alone.