bicyclette

bicycle

noun bee-see-KLET Rare

Origin: French bi- ('two') + Greek kyklos ('circle/wheel')

Usage Note

Bicyclette is the full, slightly formal word for a bicycle; vélo is the everyday informal equivalent. The phrase faire de la bicyclette means 'to go cycling'. The Tour de France, the world's most famous cycling race, has made bicyclette and vélo culturally iconic French words.

Examples

"Elle se rend au travail à bicyclette."

Natural Translation

She goes to work by bicycle.

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