pedal
pedal Lexical Profile
pedal Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A foot-operated lever or control used to operate or modify the mechanism of a vehicle, bicycle, or piece of machinery.
"She slammed her foot on the brake pedal to avoid hitting the deer crossing the road."
A key or lever played with the feet, such as on an organ, piano, or harp, used to sustain or alter the sound.
"The pianist depressed the sustain pedal to let the final chord ring out across the concert hall."
• verb
To operate the foot levers of a bicycle or similar machine to move forward.
"We had to pedal vigorously to make it up the steep, winding hill."
To operate or propel a machine, vehicle, or instrument by using the feet.
"He slowly pedaled the small paddleboat across the quiet lake."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with the homophone 'peddle' (to sell goods), and in American English, frequently sounds identical to 'petal' (a flower part) due to T-flapping.
• Rhymes for pedal
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 17th century: from French 'pédale', from Italian 'pedale', originating from Latin 'pedalis' (a foot in length), derived from 'pes', 'ped-' meaning 'foot'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.