# cycling

/ˈsaɪkəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈaɪklɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cycling
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. riding a bicycle

noun · CEFR A2

the activity of riding a bicycle for exercise, fun, or travel.

For teachers: the activity of riding a bicycle for recreation, transportation, or physical exercise.

- Cycling is a great way to see the city without using a car.
- The city council invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, creating dedicated lanes to encourage residents to commute by bike instead of driving.

Usage: often used as an uncountable noun.

### 2. competitive racing

noun · CEFR B1

the sport of racing bicycles.

For teachers: the competitive sport of racing bicycles on roads or tracks.

- He watches professional cycling on TV every summer during the big races.
- Professional cycling requires immense physical endurance and strategic teamwork, especially during multi-stage mountain climbs.

### 3. repeating process

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the act of moving through a circle of events that repeat in the same order.

For teachers: the movement through a series of events or stages that repeat regularly in the same order.

- The cycling of nutrients through the soil is essential for healthy plants.
- The rapid cycling of the machine's cooling system prevented the engine from overheating during the high-stress testing phase.

### 5. moving in cycles

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical · Academic

describing something that moves in a circle or repeats a pattern.

For teachers: characterised by or undergoing a cyclic motion or process.

- The cycling parts of the engine need regular oil to stay smooth.
- The researcher observed the cycling nature of the tides, noting how the water levels fluctuated with predictable regularity over the lunar month.

## Examples

- Cycling is a great way to stay fit.
- The city invested in new bike lanes to encourage cycling among commuters and reduce traffic congestion.
- While professional cycling requires immense physical endurance and specialized equipment, it remains one of the most accessible forms of low-impact cardiovascular exercise for the general public.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.