English Reference

Word

hiking

Phoneticshik·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈhaɪkɪŋ/

UK/hˈaɪkɪŋ/

Definitions

01walking for exercise

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Sports

n. the activity of going for long walks in the countryside or mountains for fun or exercise.

n. the recreational activity of walking long distances in natural environments, typically on trails or through mountainous terrain.

“We spent the whole weekend hiking through the national park.”

“The region offers excellent opportunities for hiking, with well-marked trails that cater to both casual walkers and experienced mountaineers.”

Usage

Often used with the verb 'go' as in 'go hiking'.

Pitfall

We went to hiking in the mountains.

We went hiking in the mountains.

Use 'go hiking' without the word 'to' before the activity.

Synonyms

trekkingramblingwalking

02raising a price or amount

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the act of suddenly increasing a price, tax, or amount.

n. the act of increasing a cost, rate, or amount sharply and often unexpectedly.

“The sudden hiking of interest rates made it harder for people to buy homes.”

“The government's aggressive hiking of fuel taxes led to widespread protests across the industrial sectors.”

Usage

Usually followed by the preposition 'of'.

Synonyms

increaseraiseboost

Antonyms

cutreduction

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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