Tricycle

/ˈtraɪ.sɪ.kəl/ noun

Definition

A vehicle with three wheels, pedals, and handlebars, typically ridden by young children.

Etymology

From Latin 'tri-' meaning three + Greek 'kyklos' meaning wheel. The word was invented in the 1800s as bicycles became popular and inventors created a three-wheeled variation for stability.

Kelly Says

Tricycles were actually invented for adults first in the 1880s as a 'safer' alternative to bicycles, but they became associated with children because the low center of gravity and three wheels made them genuinely perfect for wobbly young riders.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.