What does pedal mean?
A pedal is a lever operated with the foot. In a bicycle, pedals turn the crank that drives the rear wheel; in a car, pedals control speed, braking, or acceleration; and in an organ, pedals are operated by the feet to change pitch or tone. As a verb, pedal means to ride a bicycle or operate a foot control, as in “she pedalled through the park.” The word can also refer more generally to foot-powered movement or effort. Its familiar associations are cycling and machinery, but it also has musical and historical uses. Because it comes from a Latin word meaning “of the foot,” pedal remains a vivid example of how the body’s lower limbs take part in controlling machines and making music.
A lever or control operated by the foot, especially on a bicycle, vehicle, or musical instrument.
"The rider put her foot on the pedal."
The sense is also used for the foot-operated mechanism itself, not only the part touched by the foot.
To operate a pedal, especially the pedal of a bicycle; also, to ride a bicycle.
"We pedalled along the river after lunch."
Informally, the verb can mean to exert sustained effort, especially in the expression “pedal hard.”
Relating to the foot or operated by the foot.
"The piano has a pedal mechanism for controlling the damper."
This use is relatively uncommon compared with the noun and verb.
The plural pedals is standard when referring to multiple foot-operated controls or mechanisms.
"The mechanic checked the pedals before the test ride."
The word pedal comes from Latin for “of the foot,” a fitting origin for a control that lets your feet carry you forward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pedal come from?
The English word comes from Latin pedalis, meaning “of the foot,” formed from pes, meaning “foot.” The noun developed for a foot-operated lever, while the verb came to mean using such a lever and, later, riding a bicycle. Related English words include pedestrian, from Latin pedester, “going on foot,” and pedometer, from Greek pous, “foot,” and metron, “measure.”
Related word forms
How pedal is actually used
As a noun, pedal is common in vehicle, bicycle, and musical contexts. As a verb, it is especially associated with cycling; “pedal” can also mean to work strenuously, though this usage is informal and often appears in phrases such as “pedal hard.” The adjective is less common than the noun and verb forms.
Easily confused with pedal
Pedal means to operate a foot-operated control or to ride a bicycle, whereas peddle means to sell goods or promote an idea.
Pedal is pronounced with a stress on the first syllable and commonly refers to a bicycle or vehicle control; peddle is pronounced with stress on the first syllable but means to sell or distribute goods.