hitchhike

verb

hitch·​hike ˈhich-ˌhīk How to pronounce hitchhike (audio)
hitchhiked; hitchhiking; hitchhikes

intransitive verb

1
: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
2
: to be carried or transported by chance or unintentionally
destructive insects hitchhiking on ships

transitive verb

: to solicit and obtain (a free ride) especially in a passing vehicle
hitchhiker noun

Examples of hitchhike in a Sentence

Her car broke down, so she had to hitchhike back home. He hitchhiked his way across the country last summer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Houseplant pests typically hitchhike a ride into your home. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 The complaint alleges that staff regularly sent students unattended to hitchhike for errands. Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025 The first incident describes an alleged rape in 1971 when the plaintiff, then a 14-year-old student, was sent on a hitchhiking errand by a school dormitory counselor to purchase groceries from a nearby Kosher grocery store, Shapiro’s. Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025 Rahill hitchhiked across the country to upstate New York for his sister’s graduation. Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hitchhike

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hitchhike was in 1923

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hitchhike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hitchhike. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

hitchhike

verb
hitch·​hike ˈhich-ˌhīk How to pronounce hitchhike (audio)
: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
hitchhiker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hitchhike

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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