unicycle

/ˌjunəˈsaɪkəl/

/ˈjunɪsaɪkəl/

Other forms: unicycles; unicycling

You might see a unicyle, or a bicycle-like vehicle with only one wheel, ridden by a clown at the circus.

It's harder to ride a unicycle than a bicycle, since you have to balance on a single wheel. Acrobats and other performers often ride unicycles and sometimes even do tricks like balancing on a tightrope while perched on the seat of a unicycle. The Latin prefix uni gives you a clue about the meaning of this word, since it means "one." In unicycle, it's combined with "cycle," which comes from the Greek word kyklos, "circle or wheel."

Definitions of unicycle

1. noun

   a vehicle with a single wheel that is driven by pedals
   synonyms: monocycle

   type of:

   wheeled vehicle

   a vehicle that moves on wheels and usually has a container for transporting things or people
2. verb

   ride a unicycle
   type of:

   bicycle, bike, cycle, pedal, wheel

   ride a bicycle