pedal
PEH-duhl
Pedal (noun) means a foot-operated lever used to control or power a machine, such as on a bicycle, car, or piano. Example: “She pressed the brake pedal hard when the light turned red.”
noun
1
A foot-operated lever used to control or power a machine, such as on a bicycle, car, or piano.
"She pressed the brake pedal hard when the light turned red."
"He kept his foot on the sustain pedal through the whole piece."
"He pushed the clutch pedal down before changing gear."
2
An effects unit for an electric guitar or other instrument, typically switched on by stepping on it.
"He added a distortion pedal to his rig before the show."
"The guitarist tapped a pedal and the sound became swirling and dreamy."
"She keeps a reverb pedal on the floor in front of her amp."
verb
1
To push the pedals of a bicycle or similar machine, especially in a steady circular motion.
"They pedaled uphill for nearly an hour before reaching the summit."
"She pedaled harder to keep up with the group."
"The children pedalled slowly along the canal path."
How to use pedal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe foot-lever you press to control something, or the act of pressing/pumping it, especially on a bike.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "peddle" (to sell) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Common pairings
press the pedal
pedal a bike
guitar pedal
brake pedal
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pedal.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- pedals
- Third person singular
- pedals
- Past tense
- pedaled, pedalled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She pressed the brake _____ hard when the light turned red.
Etymology
From French pédale, going back to Latin pedalis, "of the foot" — from pes/ped-, "foot."
Related words
Rhymes for pedal
See all rhymes for pedal →Frequently asked questions
What does “pedal” mean?
The word “pedal” means a foot-operated lever used to control or power a machine, such as on a bicycle, car, or piano. In plain terms, the foot-lever you press to control something, or the act of pressing/pumping it, especially on a bike.
How do you pronounce “pedal”?
“Pedal” is pronounced PEH-duhl (/ˈpɛdəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pedal” in a sentence?
Here is “pedal” used in a sentence: “She pressed the brake pedal hard when the light turned red.”
What part of speech is “pedal”?
Depending on how it is used, “pedal” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pedal” come from?
The word “pedal” comes from Latin. From French pédale, going back to Latin pedalis, "of the foot" — from pes/ped-, "foot.".
Is “pedal” a common word?
“Pedal” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pedal” have?
“Pedal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a foot-operated lever used to control or power a machine, such as on a bicycle, car, or piano.
What is the difference between a pedal and a lever?
A pedal is specifically a foot-operated lever, designed to be pushed with the foot to control or power a machine like a bicycle, car, or piano. Lever is the broader mechanical term and may be operated by hand or foot.
What does a guitar pedal do?
A guitar pedal is an effects unit for an electric guitar or other instrument that alters its sound, typically switched on and off by stepping on it. Different pedals create effects such as distortion, delay, or reverb.
Is "pedal" ever confused with "peddle"?
Yes, pedal and peddle are homophones that are frequently mixed up in writing. Pedal relates to foot-operated levers or the act of cycling, while peddle means to sell goods, often informally.
