hitchhike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “hitchhike” mean?
To travel by asking for free rides from passing vehicles, typically by signalling with an outstretched thumb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To travel by asking for free rides from passing vehicles, typically by signalling with an outstretched thumb.
To attach oneself to or rely on another system, person, or existing structure for transportation, advancement, or support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically. 'Hitch' can be used as a short form in both, but 'hitchhike' is the standard full verb.
Connotations
Carries connotations of adventure, frugality, and potential risk. Slightly more associated with counterculture or youth travel in historical contexts.
Frequency
Comparatively less frequent in modern usage due to safety concerns and prevalence of ride-sharing apps, but remains the standard lexical item for the concept.
Grammar
How to Use “hitchhike” in a Sentence
[Subject] hitchhikes.[Subject] hitchhiked [Prepositional Phrase] to [Destination].[Subject] hitchhiked [Adverbial Phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hitchhike” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to hitchhike across France to save money.
- It's less common to see people hitchhiking on British motorways now.
- Back in the 70s, he would regularly hitchhike to Glastonbury.
American English
- We hitchhiked from Chicago to Denver in three days.
- She doesn't recommend hitchhiking on Route 66 after dark.
- They planned to hitchhike down the Pacific Coast Highway.
adjective
British English
- His hitchhike adventures across Europe were legendary.
- They adopted a hitchhike approach to touring the country.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The startup tried to hitchhike on the larger platform's user base.'
Academic
Rare, except in sociological or travel studies contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing travel, especially budget, adventurous, or alternative travel.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hitchhike”
- Incorrect: 'We hitchhiked a car.' Correct: 'We hitchhiked.' or 'We hitched a ride.'
- Incorrect spelling: 'hichhike', 'hich hike'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Laws vary by country and region. In many places, hitchhiking itself is legal, but it may be prohibited on motorways/freeways, near certain intersections, or on specific types of roads. Always check local regulations.
'Hitchhike' is the full, standard verb. 'Hitch' can be used informally as a shorter synonym, often in phrases like 'hitch a ride' or 'we hitched here'.
Yes. It can mean to attach oneself to or benefit from an existing system, trend, or person's success without providing equal effort or contribution, e.g., 'The smaller company hitchhiked on the marketing campaign of its larger partner.'
The activity is called 'hitchhiking'. A person who hitchhikes is a 'hitchhiker'.
To travel by asking for free rides from passing vehicles, typically by signalling with an outstretched thumb.
Hitchhike is usually informal, neutral in register.
Hitchhike: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪtʃhaɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪtʃˌhaɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Live off the land and hitchhike' (travel freely and cheaply)”
- “'Hitchhike on the success of...' (metaphorical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HITCH' (to attach) + 'HIKE' (to walk/travel). You attach yourself to a car's journey instead of hiking the whole way.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS; AID IS A VEHICLE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of 'hitchhike'?