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tricycle

/ˈtraɪsɪkəl/
/ˈtraɪsɪkəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: tricycles

For many kids, their first vehicle is a tricycle, or a small three-wheeled bike.

Though a child's riding toy is what the word tricycle brings to mind, there are also adult-sized three-wheeled tricycles. A tricycle is safer and more stable than a bicycle with its two wheels, and some older or disabled people enjoy riding them. The original meaning of tricycle, in 1828, was "three-wheeled carriage," from the Greek treis, "three," and kyklos, "circle or wheel."

Definitions of tricycle
  1. noun
    a vehicle with three wheels that is moved by foot pedals
    synonyms: trike, velocipede
    see moresee less
    types:
    cycle rickshaw, pedicab
    a tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling); used in the Orient for transporting passengers for hire
    type of:
    wheeled vehicle
    a vehicle that moves on wheels and usually has a container for transporting things or people
Pronunciation
US
/ˈtraɪsɪkəl/
UK
/ˈtraɪsɪkəl/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘tricycle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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