hitchhike

verb

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

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

Synonyms of hitchhike

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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.
Next, she is picked up by Ju Gang-chan while trying to hitchhike. — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026 How Invasive Plants Are Introduced Sometimes, seeds of invasive plants quietly hitchhike over from other countries in shipping containers or on the shoes, clothing, and luggage of travelers. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026 Long ago, a train-riding and hitchhiking tour of several European countries took me to Belgium, where I was graciously taken in by the family of an American friend of mine. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 On the night of the murder, Dupree stopped to pick up Keller, who was hitchhiking, authorities said. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hitchhike

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hitchhike was in 1921

Rhymes for hitchhike

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Browse Nearby Words

hitcher
hitchhike
hitchhiker
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Cite this Entry

“Hitchhike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hitchhike. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of hitchhike for Spanish Speakers

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