Pedal: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'pedal' as a general term to describe a part of a machine or vehicle that you push with your foot to make it work.

• I pressed the pedal to accelerate the car.
• He struggled to reach the pedal on his new bicycle.

Use 'foot lever' when describing a mechanical lever operated by the foot, commonly found in industrial or heavy machinery contexts.

• He pressed the foot lever to start the machine.
• The foot lever required a lot of strength to push down.

Use 'bike pedal' specifically when talking about the pedals on a bicycle.

• The bike pedal was broken, so she couldn't ride her bike.
• He adjusted the bike pedal to make it more comfortable.

Similar to 'bike pedal,' use 'cycle pedal' when referring to the pedals of a cycle, including both bicycles and tricycles.

• He felt a strange noise coming from the cycle pedal.
• The cycle pedal needed oiling after the long trip.

Used in a similar way to the first entry, but can also apply to various other pedal-operated devices, not just bicycles.

• The sewing machine is operated by a pedal.
• The car has two pedals for controlling speed.

Often found in mechanical or automotive settings, it is typically used to describe a lever that you control with your foot, such as those in machines or vehicles.

• Press the foot lever to control the forklift.
• He activated the machine using the foot lever.

Specifically used in the context of musical instruments, such as pianos or organs, where it refers to the pedals that alter the sound or tone.

• She pressed the musical pedal to sustain the note.
• The organist used the musical pedals to create a rich sound.

Typically used when referring to using a foot-operated lever, especially for bicycles, cars (accelerator or brake), or musical instruments like a piano or organ.

• She had to pedal hard to climb the steep hill on her bicycle.
• He pressed the pedal to accelerate the car.
• The organist skillfully used the foot pedal during the concert.

When you need to apply force to move something away from you, such as opening a door or moving an object. It can also be metaphorical, referring to encouraging someone to do something.

• Please push the door to open it.
• They had to push the car when it broke down.
• She tried to push him to pursue his dreams.

Used when applying force to something, especially with fingers or hands to make it move or activate. Commonly used for buttons or touch screens.

• Press the button to start the machine.
• He forgot to press 'send' on the email before he left.
• To take a screenshot, press both buttons simultaneously.

Used in reference to running machinery, equipment, or complex systems. It’s a broader term often used in professional or technical settings.

• The engineer is able to operate the machinery with great precision.
• She learned how to operate the new software at work.
• Doctors need years of training to operate complex surgical instruments.