cyclist
SEYE-klihst
Cyclist (noun) means a person who rides a bicycle, either regularly or as a sport. Example: “The cyclist signalled before turning left at the junction.”
noun
1
A person who rides a bicycle, either regularly or as a sport.
"A solitary cyclist was coming towards us. His head was down and his shoulders rounded, as he put every ounce of energy that he possessed on to the pedals. He was flying like a racer."
— Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist (1903)
"The cyclist signalled before turning left at the junction."
"Professional cyclists train for hours every day."
How to use cyclist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who rides a bicycle.
Common pairings
professional cyclist
commuter cyclist
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Word forms
- Plural
- cyclists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ signalled before turning left at the junction.
Etymology
Formed from cycle plus the agent suffix -ist, first recorded around 1882.
Class of 1882
cyclist joined the language around 1882.
See the full Class of 1882 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “cyclist” mean?
The word “cyclist” means a person who rides a bicycle, either regularly or as a sport. In plain terms, someone who rides a bicycle.
How do you pronounce “cyclist”?
“Cyclist” is pronounced SEYE-klihst (/ˈsaɪ.klɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “cyclist” in a sentence?
Here is “cyclist” used in a sentence: “The cyclist signalled before turning left at the junction.”
What part of speech is “cyclist”?
“Cyclist” is a noun.
Where does the word “cyclist” come from?
The word “cyclist” dates back to around 1882. Formed from cycle plus the agent suffix -ist, first recorded around 1882.
Is “cyclist” a common word?
“Cyclist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a cyclist and a biker?
Cyclist specifically refers to someone who rides a bicycle, while biker is often used informally for motorcycle riders as well as bicycle riders, depending on the region and context. In British English, biker usually implies a motorcycle, so cyclist is the clearer term for someone on a bicycle.
Does cyclist only refer to competitive riders?
No, cyclist refers to anyone who rides a bicycle, whether regularly for transportation or as a competitive sport. The word covers everyday commuters as well as professional racers.
Is cyclist used for both casual and professional riders?
Yes, cyclist applies broadly to anyone who rides a bicycle, from a casual weekend rider to a professional athlete competing in races. Context, such as "recreational cyclist" or "professional cyclist," usually clarifies which is meant.
