English · Word Candidate

pedal

/ˈpɛdəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pedals · pedaling · pedalling · pedaled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A lever operated by one's foot that is used to control or power a machine or mechanism, such as a bicycle or piano.

Noun

There are three pedals on manual cars, two on automatics.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

an orthopedic structure or a footlike part.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To operate a pedal attached to a wheel in a continuous circular motion.

Verb

to pedal one's loom

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To operate a bicycle.

Verb

He was out of breath from pedalling up the steep hill.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “pedal” mean?

A lever operated by one's foot that is used to control or power a machine or mechanism, such as a bicycle or piano.

Is “pedal” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.