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Definition of joyride

joyride

/ˈdʒɔɪ.raɪd/
joy · ride
Plural:joyrides
•
Past Simple:joyrode
•
Past Participle:joyridden
•
Present Participle:joyriding
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joyride Lexical Profile

joyride Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A fast, reckless ride in a vehicle purely for pleasure or excitement, especially in one that has been stolen or taken without the owner's permission.

Example

"The teenagers took their parents' car for a midnight joyride around the neighborhood."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for joyride

• verb

1

To go for a fast, reckless drive in a vehicle for pleasure or excitement, especially in a stolen or borrowed car without the owner's consent.

Example

"The suspects were arrested after they were caught joyriding in a stolen sports car."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for joyride

• Nearby Words

joyously
joyousness
joypad
joyride
joyrider
joyriding
joystick

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English around 1908 during the early proliferation of the automobile, combining 'joy' and 'ride' to describe reckless, unauthorized driving for pleasure.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Joyride. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/joyride
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