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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 notes

In plain EnglishGetting rides from strangers on the road instead of driving or paying for transport.

Word forms

hitchhiked past tense, hitchhikes singular

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Fill the gap

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They _____ across the country one summer.

Etymology

A blend of "hitch" (to get a ride) and "hike" (to travel on foot).

hitch hitch a ride thumb a lift thumb a ride

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial