noun A2 Elementary Common

hike

hyk

Hike (noun) means a long walk taken for pleasure or exercise, usually outdoors. Example: “We went on a six-mile hike through the forest.”

noun

A long walk taken for pleasure or exercise, usually outdoors.

"We went on a six-mile hike through the forest."

A sudden or sharp increase, especially in price.

"Customers were furious about the surprise price hike."

verb

To walk a long distance, especially over rough or natural terrain, for pleasure or fitness.

"They hiked to the summit before sunrise."

To raise a price, rate, or amount sharply.

"The airline hiked its fares just before the holidays."

How to use hike

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA long outdoor walk, or a sudden increase in cost — as a verb, either to go on such a walk or to raise a price sharply.

Common pairings

go for a hike price hike hike the rate

Word forms

hiked past tense, hikes plural, hikes singular

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We went on a six-mile _____ through the forest.

Etymology

Likely from an English dialect word hyke, "to walk vigorously," itself probably a Northern form of hitch.

Synonyms

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trek ramble tramp trudge increase rise

Related words

run death march higher fall stand increase add

Rhymes for hike

Ike bike mike Nike like dike pike alike spike strike unlike godlike

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hike” mean?

The word “hike” means a long walk taken for pleasure or exercise, usually outdoors. In plain terms, a long outdoor walk, or a sudden increase in cost — as a verb, either to go on such a walk or to raise a price sharply.

How do you pronounce “hike”?

“Hike” is pronounced hyk (/haɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “hike” in a sentence?

Here is “hike” used in a sentence: “We went on a six-mile hike through the forest.”

What part of speech is “hike”?

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

Is “hike” a common word?

“Hike” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “hike” have?

“Hike” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long walk taken for pleasure or exercise, usually outdoors.

What is the difference between a hike and a walk?

A walk can be short and on any surface, while a hike is a long walk taken for pleasure or exercise, usually outdoors over rough or natural terrain. Hikes tend to be more strenuous and are associated with the countryside, hills, or trails.

What is the difference between a hike and a trek?

A hike is typically a long walk that can be completed in a day, while a trek suggests a longer, more demanding journey on foot, often over several days and difficult terrain. All treks involve hiking, but a trek implies greater distance and effort.

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