pedalnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈped.əl/us/ˈped.əl/B2 a small part of a machine or object that is pushed down with the foot to operate or move the machine or object:
the brake/accelerator pedal
This sewing machine is operated by a foot pedal.
He stood up on the pedals of his bike to get extra power as he cycled up the hill.
More examples
- Slowly depress the brake pedal.
- My foot slipped off the pedal.
- Put your foot fully on the pedal.
- Press the pedal.
- You use your right foot for both pedals.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Machines - parts
- ball bearing
- bearing
- clutch
- cog
- cogwheel
- hub
- inlet
- input
- jet
- lever
- manifold
- rack and pinion
- ram
- ratchet
- sleeve
- soft key
- stepney
- timer
- vee belt
- wheel
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pedaladjective [ before noun ]
uk/ˈped.əl/us/ˈped.əl/operated by a pedal or pedals:
a pedal bike/boat/car
She emptied the ashtray into the pedal bin.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Engineering - mechanical
- -engined
- artificer
- automatic
- automatically
- automative
- hydraulic
- idle
- internal combustion engine
- mechanic
- mechanical
- mechanically
- octane
- octane number
- outboard motor
- strip
- tick
- torque
- tune
- vane
- wheelbase
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pedalverb [ I or T ]
uk/ˈped.əl/us/ˈped.əl/-ll- or US usually -l-to push the pedals of a bicycle with your feet:
He struggled to pedal his bicycle up the hill.
We were pedalling like mad (= very fast) against the wind, but didn't seem to be getting anywhere.
See also
backpedal
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Bicycles
- bicycle
- brake pad
- cycle rickshaw
- cyclist
- derailleur
- dirt bike
- exercise bike
- freewheel
- handlebars
- mountain bike
- mudguard
- off-road
- pedal power
- penny-farthing
- racer
- reflector
- spoke
- stabilizer
- trike
- unicycle
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