bicycle
Pronunciation
/ˈbaɪsɪkl/

Definition & Meaning of "bicycle"in English

Bicycle
01

a vehicle with two wheels that we ride by pushing its pedals with our feet

bicycle definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
bicycles
Examples
He enjoys going on long bicycle rides in the countryside.
02

a person who is bisexual

Dated
Offensive
Slang

What is the origin of the term "bicycle" and how is it used?

Bicycle refers to a person who is sexually attracted to both men and women. The term appeared in mid-20th-century English slang, likely drawing on the metaphor of "two wheels" to represent two sexes. It was mostly used within gay and bisexual circles as a casual, sometimes playful label, rather than a formal term. Today it is rare and somewhat dated, so it may confuse people outside historical or subcultural contexts.

Examples
He joked about being a bicycle when asked about his dating life.
03

a person who is sexually promiscuous, especially a woman

Offensive
Slang

What is the origin of the term "bicycle" and how is it used?

Bicycle is slang for a person—especially a woman—seen as sexually promiscuous or constantly switching partners. This meaning appeared in early–mid 20th-century English, probably building on the same "two wheels" metaphor to suggest movement or change. Unlike the bisexual sense, this usage is derogatory, often intended to shame or insult someone's sexual behavior, and is not considered neutral in modern conversation.

Examples
Do n't act like a bicycle and kiss everyone at the club.
to bicycle
01

to ride or to travel by a two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedals

to bicycle definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Composition
derived
Movement verb
Regular
Present tense
bicycle
3rd person singular
bicycles
Present participle
bicycling
Past simple
bicycled
Past participle
bicycled
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