# wheelie

/ˈwili/ (US) · /wˈiːli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wheelie
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a trick where you ride a bicycle or motorcycle on only the back wheel. You do this by pulling up on the handlebars while you keep pedaling.

For teachers: a stunt performed on a bicycle, motorcycle, or similar vehicle in which the front wheel is lifted off the ground and the vehicle is ridden for a distance on the rear wheel.

## Examples

- He did a wheelie to impress his friends.
- The teenager was warned by the police after he performed a dangerous wheelie in the middle of a busy intersection.
- Professional stunt riders demonstrate remarkable balance by maintaining a wheelie for several minutes, often incorporating additional tricks while the front of the bike remains elevated.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'do', 'pop', or 'pull'.

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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.