English Reference
noun · verb

hike

n. · v.
US /ˈhaɪk/ UK /hˈaɪk/ hike UK spelling hiked, hikes

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a long walk in the countryside or mountains for exercise or fun.

    n.a long-distance walk, typically taken for recreation in a rural or mountainous environment.

    Simple

    We went for a long hike in the national park last Saturday.

    In context

    The group planned a challenging ten-mile hike through the rugged terrain of the highlands, ensuring they had sufficient supplies for the day.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a sudden or large increase in the cost or amount of something.

    n.a sharp or abrupt increase in a price, rate, or amount.

    Simple

    The recent hike in petrol prices has made commuting very expensive.

    In context

    Economists expressed concern that a further hike in interest rates might stifle consumer spending during the holiday season.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    v.to go for a long walk in nature.

    v.to walk a long distance for pleasure or physical exercise, especially in a natural setting.

    Simple

    They love to hike in the mountains during the summer months.

    In context

    Every autumn, thousands of tourists hike the coastal trails to witness the dramatic change in the foliage.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to increase a price or an amount suddenly.

    v.to raise a price, tax, or fee significantly and often abruptly.

    Simple

    The landlord decided to hike the rent by twenty percent this year.

    In context

    The airline was criticised for its decision to hike ticket prices during the peak travel window of the national holiday.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to pull something up quickly, like your trousers or a backpack.

    v.to pull or tug something upward with a sharp, quick motion.

    Simple

    He had to hike up his jeans because they were a bit too loose.

    In context

    She paused to hike her heavy rucksack higher onto her shoulders before continuing the steep climb.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    v.to lean out over the side of a boat to keep it balanced in the wind.

    v.to lean out over the windward side of a sailing vessel to counteract the heeling effect of the wind.

    Simple

    The crew had to hike out far to keep the small boat from tipping over.

    In context

    The helmsman shouted for the crew to hike out harder as a sudden gust threatened to capsize the dinghy during the final leg of the race.

    Usage

    The verb is often used with 'out' as in 'hiking out'.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    v.to throw the ball backwards between the legs to start a play.

    v.to move the ball from the ground to the quarterback to initiate a play.

    Simple

    The center waited for the signal to hike the ball to the quarterback.

    In context

    As soon as the center hiked the ball, the defensive line surged forward to pressure the kicker.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated