verb
hitchhike
HIHCH-hyk
Hitchhike (verb) means to travel by getting free rides from passing drivers, usually by signaling with a thumb or sign. Example: “They hitchhiked across the country one summer.”
verb
1
To travel by getting free rides from passing drivers, usually by signaling with a thumb or sign.
"They hitchhiked across the country one summer."
"It's riskier to hitchhike alone at night."
How to use hitchhike
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting rides from strangers on the road instead of driving or paying for transport.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- hitchhikes
- Past tense
- hitchhiked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They _____ across the country one summer.
Etymology
A blend of "hitch" (to get a ride) and "hike" (to travel on foot).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for hitchhike
See all rhymes for hitchhike →Frequently asked questions
What does “hitchhike” mean?
The word “hitchhike” means to travel by getting free rides from passing drivers, usually by signaling with a thumb or sign. In plain terms, getting rides from strangers on the road instead of driving or paying for transport.
How do you pronounce “hitchhike”?
“Hitchhike” is pronounced HIHCH-hyk (/ˈhɪt͡ʃhaɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “hitchhike” in a sentence?
Here is “hitchhike” used in a sentence: “They hitchhiked across the country one summer.”
What is another word for “hitchhike”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hitchhike” include hitch, hitch a ride, thumb a lift and thumb a ride.
What part of speech is “hitchhike”?
“Hitchhike” is a verb.
