bike

The word “bike” means a bicycle or, informally, a motorcycle. In plain terms, a two-wheeled vehicle you pedal or ride with an engine, or the act of riding one.

“Bike” is pronounced byk (/baɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “bike” used in a sentence: “He rides his bike to work every day.”

Depending on how it is used, “bike” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “bike” dates back to around 1880. A clipped form of bicycle, first recorded in the 1880s.

“Bike” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Bike” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a bicycle or, informally, a motorcycle.

Both, depending on context. 'Bike' is most often a short, informal word for a bicycle, the pedal-powered two-wheeler. But it is also used casually for a motorcycle, especially among riders. Surrounding words usually make it clear — 'ride my bike to school' suggests a bicycle; 'a 1,000cc bike' means a motorcycle.

Common types suit different uses. Road bikes are light and fast for paved surfaces; mountain bikes are rugged for off-road trails; hybrids blend the two for everyday riding. Others include BMX bikes for tricks, touring bikes for long journeys and electric bikes, which add a motor to assist pedalling.

'Bike' is informal, the everyday spoken form. In formal or technical writing the fuller words 'bicycle' and 'motorcycle' are preferred. There is nothing wrong with 'bike' in ordinary conversation, on signs or in casual writing, but a manufacturer's manual or legal document will usually choose the more precise term.