NYT Dictionary

BICYCLE

/ˈbaɪsɪk(ə)l/
NounVerbBI-cy-clebi-cy-cle · 3 syllablesGrade 3

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A vehicle that has two primary wheels, one behind the other, a steering handle, and a saddle seat or seats and is usually propelled by the action of a rider’s feet upon pedals.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ ▲ Proto-Indo-European *trísinflu. Proto-Indo-European *dwís Proto-Italic *dwis Old Latin duis Latin bisder. French bi- Proto-Indo-European *kʷelh₁-redup. Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *kʷékʷlos Proto-Hellenic *kʷókʷlos Proto-Hellenic *kúklos Ancient Greek κῠ́κλος (kŭ́klos)der. Late Latin cyclusder. Middle French French cycle French bicyclebor. English bicycle Borrowed from French bicycle (modern bicyclette), from bi- (“two”) + cycle (“cycle”). By surface analysis, bi- + cycle. First attested in English in 1868, and in French in 1847. (promiscuous woman): From double meaning of ride ("to transport oneself upon" vs. "to mount someone to have sex with them"). A communal bicycle would have many riders.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

bikepushbiketwo-wheelervelocipedetown bicyclevillage bicyclebicyclewheelceleripedecycle

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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