hitch

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a metal part used to connect a trailer or caravan to a car.

n. a mechanical device or connection point used to attach a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle.

“He checked the trailer hitch one last time before driving onto the motorway.”

“The heavy-duty hitch was designed to distribute the weight of the boat trailer evenly across the truck's rear axle.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal · American English

n. a period of time spent serving in the military.

n. a term of enlistment or a specific period of military service.

“After his four-year hitch in the Navy, he decided to go back to university.”

“He signed up for another hitch, citing the camaraderie and the lack of civilian job prospects as his primary motivations.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to pull something up with a quick, short movement.

v. to move something into a different position with a jerk or sudden pull.

“He had to hitch up his trousers because they were a bit too loose.”

“She paused to hitch her heavy backpack higher onto her shoulders before continuing the steep climb up the ridge.”

B1 · Intermediate Informal

v. to travel by asking for free rides from passing cars.

v. to travel by signaling to drivers of passing vehicles and asking for a free ride.

“They managed to hitch a ride to the next town with a friendly farmer.”

“Lacking enough money for the bus fare, the students decided to hitch across the border, relying on the generosity of long-distance lorry drivers.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Humorous

v. to get married to someone.

v. to join in marriage; almost exclusively used in the passive 'get hitched'.

“They finally decided to get hitched after being together for ten years.”

“The couple flew to Las Vegas to get hitched in a small chapel, much to the surprise of their extended families.”