# hiking

/ˈhaɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈaɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hiking
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. walking for exercise

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. raising a price or amount

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- We go hiking every weekend during the summer.
- The national park offers several trails for hiking, ranging from easy paths to steep mountain climbs.
- While hiking provides significant cardiovascular benefits, it also requires proper preparation regarding navigation and weather-appropriate gear to ensure safety in remote areas.

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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.