Is 'bicycle race' one word or two?

It is a compound noun written as two separate words ('open compound'). It is not hyphenated (bicycle-race) except when used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., bicycle-race champion).

What's the difference between a 'bicycle race' and a 'marathon'?

A marathon is a long-distance running event. A bicycle race is for bicycles. However, both are endurance sporting events. The term 'bicycle marathon' is sometimes used informally for very long bicycle races.

Can I use 'bike race' in formal writing?

In most formal contexts, 'bicycle race' or 'cycle race' is preferable. 'Bike race' is acceptable in informal writing and journalism with a casual tone.

Does 'bicycle race' only mean professional racing?

No. It can refer to any competitive event with bicycles, including amateur, charity, community, and school races. The context usually indicates the level.

How do you pronounce “bicycle race”?

Bicycle race: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

bicycle race: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌreɪs/US/ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌreɪs/

neutral

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “bicycle race” mean?

A competitive sporting event in which participants ride bicycles, often over a set distance or course, with the aim of finishing first.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A competitive sporting event in which participants ride bicycles, often over a set distance or course, with the aim of finishing first.

Any organized contest of speed or endurance involving bicycles; can also refer metaphorically to a frantic, competitive struggle reminiscent of such an event.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'cycle race' is a common synonym. In American English, 'bike race' is more frequent in casual speech, while 'bicycle race' is slightly more formal or descriptive.

Connotations

Similar in both varieties. May evoke images of professional road racing, velodrome track events, or community charity rides.

Frequency

'Bicycle race' is understood everywhere. 'Bike race' is more common in daily American English; 'cycle race' is preferred in some British sporting contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “bicycle race” in a Sentence

enter a bicycle racecompete in a bicycle racewin a bicycle racethe bicycle race takes placea bicycle race for charitya bicycle race through the countryside

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

annualprofessionalroadcharitymountain bikestageinternational

medium

excitinglocalcompetitivelong-distanceorganise awatch a

weak

bigfastfamousdifficultmajor

Examples

Examples of “bicycle race” in a Sentence

verb

British English

They will cycle race around the park.
He used to bicycle-race professionally.

American English

They will bike race around the park.
She loves to bicycle race on weekends.

adjective

British English

He is a bicycle-race enthusiast.
The bicycle-race event was postponed.

American English

She follows the bicycle race circuit.
He bought bicycle race gear.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in sports marketing or event management (e.g., 'sponsoring a bicycle race').

Academic

Rare, potentially in sports history or sociology papers.

Everyday

Common when discussing sports, local events, or hobbies.

Technical

Specific in sports science discussing physiology, or in event logistics.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “bicycle race”

Strong

road race (if on roads)criterium time trial

Neutral

cycle racebike racecycling race

Weak

cycling competitioncycling eventtour

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “bicycle race”

leisurely ridecasual cyclingbicycle tour (non-competitive)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “bicycle race”

Using 'bicycling race' (ungrammatical).
Confusing 'bicycle race' (event) with 'bicycle racing' (the activity/sport).
Misspelling as 'bycicle race'.
Using incorrect prepositions: 'at the bicycle race' (less common) vs. 'in the bicycle race' (as a participant).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a compound noun written as two separate words ('open compound'). It is not hyphenated (bicycle-race) except when used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., bicycle-race champion).
: A marathon is a long-distance running event. A bicycle race is for bicycles. However, both are endurance sporting events. The term 'bicycle marathon' is sometimes used informally for very long bicycle races.
: In most formal contexts, 'bicycle race' or 'cycle race' is preferable. 'Bike race' is acceptable in informal writing and journalism with a casual tone.
: No. It can refer to any competitive event with bicycles, including amateur, charity, community, and school races. The context usually indicates the level.
: A competitive sporting event in which participants ride bicycles, often over a set distance or course, with the aim of finishing first.
: Bicycle race: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of the Queen song 'Bicycle Race'. The lyrics 'Bicycle bicycle bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle' are about the freedom of cycling, but the title specifies the competitive aspect.

Conceptual Metaphor

LIFE IS A RACE / COMPETITION IS A RACE (e.g., 'The political campaign turned into a bicycle race, with each candidate trying to outpace the other.').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After years of training, she finally felt ready to the national bicycle race.

Multiple Choice

Which phrase is LEAST likely to be used as a synonym for 'bicycle race' in formal sports journalism?