Bicycle vs. Cycle: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 17, 2023
A bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling, while cycle can refer to any type of bike or a recurring sequence of events.
Difference Between Bicycle and Cycle
A bicycle is a specific type of vehicle, characterized by its two wheels, frame, and mechanism for pedaling. Cycle, on the other hand, is a broader term that can encompass any type of bicycle, tricycle, or other pedal-powered vehicles. Additionally, cycle can refer to any recurrent sequence or circuit.
Muazma Batool
Oct 14, 2023
In many contexts, bicycle and cycle can be used interchangeably when referring to the two-wheeled transport. However, this is more common in British English than American English. In the US, bicycle is the more common term for the two-wheeled vehicle, while cycle might sound more formal or technical.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Outside of transportation, the differences between bicycle and cycle become more pronounced. Cycle, derived from the Greek word for circle, often pertains to processes or events that repeat in a consistent or predictable pattern. On the other hand, the term bicycle remains anchored to its definition as a type of vehicle.
Muazma Batool
Oct 14, 2023
In everyday language, if someone refers to riding their bicycle, they specifically mean their two-wheeled bike. If they mention riding a cycle, they might be referring to any kind of bike, but this could depend on regional language nuances. Yet, if they talk about the water cycle, it's clear they're discussing a recurring natural process and not a mode of transportation.
Kaitlyn
Oct 14, 2023
Bicycle vs. Cycle Comparison Chart
Definition
A two-wheeled pedal-driven vehicle.
Any type of bike or a recurring sequence.
Muazma Batool
Oct 14, 2023
Usage
Specific to the type of vehicle.
Broad; can refer to various types of bikes or repetitive processes.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Origin
Derived from "bi" (two) and "cycle" (wheel).
From the Greek word for circle.
Muazma Batool
Oct 14, 2023
Bicycle vs. Cycle Definitions
◉Bicycle
A light vehicle with two chain-driven wheels.
Children often learn to ride a bicycle at a young age.
Kaitlyn
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
A single complete performance or iteration.
The washing machine's cycle takes about 30 minutes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Bicycle
A mode of transportation powered by human effort.
He prefers using his bicycle over his car for short trips.
Levi
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
A series of events that repeat in a predictable order.
The water cycle is essential to life on Earth.
William
Sep 14, 2023
◉Bicycle
A frame with two wheels, handlebars, and a seat.
The red bicycle caught her eye immediately.
Jonathan
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
An interval of time during which a characteristic, often regularly repeated event or sequence of events occurs
Sunspots increase and decrease in intensity in an 11-year cycle.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
A vehicle commonly used for recreation or commuting.
Every morning, he commutes to work on his bicycle.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
A single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon
A year constitutes a cycle of the seasons.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
A vehicle consisting of a light frame mounted on two typically wire-spoked wheels one behind the other and usually having a seat, handlebars for steering, brakes, and two pedals by which it is driven.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A periodically repeated sequence of events
the cycle of birth, growth, and death.
a cycle of reprisal and retaliation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
A vehicle that has two wheels, one behind the other, a steering handle, and a saddle seat or seats and is usually propelled by the action of a rider’s feet upon pedals.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
The aggregate of traditional poems or stories organized around a central theme or hero
the Arthurian cycle.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(Botany) A circular or whorled arrangement of flower parts such as those of petals or sepals.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(Baseball) The achievement of hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
(climbing) A stabilizing technique in which one foot is pushed down while the other is pulled up.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
To physically ship (a recorded programme) to another broadcasting entity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
A light vehicle having two wheels one behind the other. It has a saddle seat and is propelled by the rider's feet acting on cranks or levers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
To use in or put through a cycle
cycled the heavily soiled laundry twice.
cycling the recruits through eight weeks of basic training.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
An interval of space or time in which one set of events or phenomena is completed.
the cycle of the seasons, or of the year
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bicycle
A two-wheeled vehicle driven by pedals.
She rode her bicycle to the store.
William
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
A process that returns to its beginning and then repeats itself in the same sequence.
electoral cycle
menstrual cycle
news cycle
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(music) In musical set theory, an interval cycle is the set of pitch classes resulting from repeatedly applying the same interval class to the starting pitch class.
The interval cycle C4 consists of the pitch classes 0, 4 and 8; when starting on E, it is realised as the pitches E, G# and C.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A series of poems, songs or other works of art, typically longer than a trilogy.
The "Ring of the Nibelung" is a cycle of four operas by Richard Wagner.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A programme on a washing machine, dishwasher, or other such device.
Put the washing in on a warm cycle.
the spin cycle
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A pedal-powered vehicle, such as a unicycle, bicycle, or tricycle, or a motorized vehicle that has either two or three wheels.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(baseball) A single, a double, a triple, and a home run hit by the same player in the same game.
Jones hit for the cycle in the game.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(graph theory) A closed walk or path, with or without repeated vertices allowed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
An imaginary circle or orbit in the heavens; one of the celestial spheres.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(aviation) One take-off and landing of an aircraft, referring to a pressurisation cycle which places stresses on the fuselage.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(electronics) To turn power off and back on
Avoid cycling the device unnecessarily.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
(ice hockey) To maintain a team's possession of the puck in the offensive zone by handling and passing the puck in a loop from the boards near the goal up the side boards and passing to back to the boards near the goal
They have their cycling game going tonight.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
An imaginary circle or orbit in the heavens; one of the celestial spheres.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
An interval of time in which a certain succession of events or phenomena is completed, and then returns again and again, uniformly and continually in the same order; a periodical space of time marked by the recurrence of something peculiar; as, the cycle of the seasons, or of the year.
Wages . . . bear a full proportion . . . to the medium of provision during the last bad cycle of twenty years.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
An age; a long period of time.
Better fifty years of Europe than a cycle of Cathay.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
An orderly list for a given time; a calendar.
We . . . present our gardeners with a complete cycle of what is requisite to be done throughout every month of the year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
The circle of subjects connected with the exploits of the hero or heroes of some particular period which have served as a popular theme for poetry, as the legend of Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, and that of Charlemagne and his paladins.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
One entire round in a circle or a spire; as, a cycle or set of leaves.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A series of operations in which heat is imparted to (or taken away from) a working substance which by its expansion gives up a part of its internal energy in the form of mechanical work (or being compressed increases its internal energy) and is again brought back to its original state.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A complete positive and negative, or forward and reverse, action of any periodic process, such as a vibration, an electric field oscillation, or a current alternation; one period.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs;
the neverending cycle of the seasons
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
a periodically repeated sequence of events;
a cycle of reprisal and retaliation
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
the unit of frequency; one Hertz has a periodic interval of one second
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
a single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon;
a year constitutes a cycle of the seasons
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
cause to go through a recurring sequence;
cycle thge laundry in this washing program
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cycle
A recurring sequence of events or processes.
The moon goes through several phases in its cycle.
Leo
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
Any type of bicycle or tricycle.
He parked his cycle next to the tree.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Cycle
A periodical rise and fall or a recurrent pattern.
Economies go through growth and recession cycles.
Nolan
Sep 14, 2023
Bicycle vs. Cycle Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bicycle typically used for?
A bicycle is used as a mode of transportation, often for commuting or recreational activities.
Muazma Batool
Oct 14, 2023
Where might one hear the term cycle used more broadly?
In scientific, economic, or natural contexts, where repetitive sequences or events are discussed.
William
Oct 14, 2023
Would it be correct to say "I bought a new cycle" if referring to a two-wheeled bike?
Yes, but this phrasing might be more common in British English than American English.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Is a tricycle a bicycle?
No, a tricycle has three wheels, but it can be referred to as a type of cycle.
Nolan
Oct 14, 2023
How is cycle used in contexts other than transportation?
Cycle can refer to repetitive sequences or processes, like the water cycle or life cycle.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Is cycle just a shortened form of bicycle?
Not necessarily; while cycle can refer to a bike, it also has broader meanings related to repetition or circular processes.
Muazma Batool
Oct 14, 2023
Is it always appropriate to replace bicycle with cycle in a sentence?
No, context matters; bicycle specifically refers to the two-wheeled vehicle, while cycle has a broader range of meanings.
Olivia
Oct 14, 2023
How does cycle differ in meaning from bicycle?
Cycle can refer to any bike or a recurring sequence, while bicycle specifically denotes a two-wheeled vehicle.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Can bicycle have meanings beyond the vehicle context?
Typically, bicycle refers to the two-wheeled pedal-driven vehicle.
Jonathan
Oct 14, 2023
What's the origin of the word bicycle?
It's derived from combining "bi," meaning two, and "cycle," referring to wheel.
Elijah
Oct 14, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
