What does hike mean?
To hike is to walk a long distance, usually outdoors and often along a trail, for exercise, recreation, or pleasure. The word has an informal, practical tone: a morning hike or a hike in the mountains sounds natural, while it is less suitable for describing a brief walk around the block. Hike can also be used as a noun for the journey itself. In a different, especially journalistic sense, the word means to rise or increase sharply, as in “prices hiked” or “the government hiked taxes.” This second use is common in discussions of economics, public policy, and household costs. Although the two meanings are distinct, both suggest movement that is more vigorous or noticeable than ordinary movement. The word is consequently useful for describing both an energetic outdoor activity and a dramatic upward change.
To walk a long distance outdoors, especially for exercise or pleasure; to rise or increase sharply.
"They hiked to the summit and watched the sunset."
The outdoor sense is informal but standard in British and American English. The “increase sharply” sense is common in news and business contexts.
A long walk outdoors, especially for exercise or pleasure; a sharp increase, as in prices.
"We took a hike in the park after lunch."
The noun is informal in the outdoor sense and common in financial and news reporting for a sharp increase.
A hike is a long walk with a destination, but it can also describe a dramatic increase: prices can take a hike at any moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hike come from?
The word “hike” is recorded in dialectal and colloquial use in the 19th century, with its precise earlier origin uncertain. It developed the modern sense of walking a long distance, especially in the countryside. Its meaning was later extended metaphorically to sharp increases, particularly in prices and other numerical measures.
Related word forms
How hike is actually used
As a verb meaning to walk, “hike” is informal but common in British and American English. The sense meaning “increase sharply” is especially common in news and business reporting, often in phrases such as “hike prices.”
Easily confused with hike
“Hike” means to walk a long distance or to increase sharply, whereas “like” means to enjoy or to be similar to something.