What does hiked mean?
“Hiked” is the past tense and past participle of “hike.” Its most familiar meaning is to walk or travel a long distance on foot, usually for exercise, recreation, or pleasure, as in “They hiked along the mountain trail.” The word can also describe a sudden and substantial increase in something, especially a price, fee, or rate: “The airline hiked ticket prices before the holiday.” The literal sense is neutral and commonly appears in accounts of walks and outdoor activities, while the figurative sense often conveys an unwelcome or noteworthy rise. “Hiked” is understood in both British and American English and is also used in expressions such as “take a hike,” where it means to leave or go away.
To walk or travel a long distance on foot.
"They hiked through the forest and eventually reached the lake."
Common in British and American English, particularly in contexts involving recreational walking, hiking, or long walks.
To increase suddenly, especially in price or value.
"The company hiked the cost of subscriptions without much notice."
Figurative and especially common in business, retail, finance, and consumer-price contexts.
One small word can describe both a long walk in the countryside and a sudden jump in prices.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hiked come from?
“Hiked” comes from the verb “hike,” whose precise origin is uncertain. The word was established in the sense of walking or travelling on foot before acquiring the figurative meaning of moving or rising sharply. Its derivatives, including “hiker” and “hiking,” developed from the same verbal base.
Related word forms
How hiked is actually used
In its literal sense, “hiked” is common in informal and recreational contexts. In the figurative sense of a sharp increase, it is especially common in business, finance, and everyday reports of prices.
Easily confused with hiked
“Hiked” means walked a long distance or increased suddenly, whereas “heaped” means piled up in a large amount.