pedal
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.”
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.
Don't confuse with "peddle" (to sell) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Word forms
pedaled past tense, pedalled past tense, pedals plural, pedals singular
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."
Synonyms
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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.