ride

noun

UK/raɪd/
US/raɪd/

Definitions of ride noun

  1. B1Countable

    a journey made on a horse, bicycle, or in a vehicle

    • The airport is just a short ride by bus.

    • Last Saturday, I went for a ride on horseback.

    • Would you like to go for a ride with me on my bike?

  2. B1Countable

    a journey in a car, offered for free, to a place where someone wants to go

    • She asked me if I could give her a ride to the city center.

    • Could you give me a ride to the station if it’s not too much trouble?

    • He was thankful that she offered him a ride back home.

  3. Countable

    a person who provides transportation for someone else in their car

    • My ride is here, so I have to go.

    • Should I wait for my ride, or just take a taxi?

    • My ride isn't available today, so I’ll have to find my own way home.

  4. Countableinformal

    someone's car

    • Wow, that’s a cool ride.

    • His new ride is bright red.

    • Do you like my new ride?

  5. B1Countable

    a machine in an amusement park that people travel in or are moved around by for entertainment

    • We enjoyed all the rides at the amusement park.

    • My favorite ride is the rollercoaster.

    • This ride is so thrilling!

verb

UK/raɪd/
US/raɪd/

Definitions of ride verb

  1. A1TransitiveIntransitive

    to sit on and control the movement of something such as a bicycle, motorbike, or horse

    • I learned how to ride a bicycle at the age of six.

    • He rides his motorcycle to work every day.

    • I ride my bike to school.

  2. Intransitive

    to ride a horse

    • Do you know how to ride a horse?

    • She is currently learning how to ride.

    • He is skilled at riding.

  3. A2TransitiveIntransitive

    to travel in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, or train

    • They rode the bus to the downtown area.

    • We rode the train to our destination.

    • I ride the subway to work every day.

  4. Transitive

    to try to control someone and force them to work

    • He felt that his manager was riding him too hard.

    • The coach was constantly riding them hard.

    • Don't let anyone ride you too hard.

Idioms

  • ride (on) a wave of something

    To take advantage of a prevailing trend, feeling, or situation.

    The company is riding a wave of innovation, launching several new products.

  • ride (out) the storm

    To successfully endure a difficult period or situation without being significantly harmed or permanently affected.

    The company managed to ride out the storm during the economic recession.

  • let something ride

    To choose not to intervene or take action regarding a problematic or unpleasant situation, often because you believe it is unnecessary or that the situation might resolve itself.

    Despite the obvious misunderstanding, the manager decided to let it ride and see how things developed.

  • be riding for a fall

    To behave in a way that is very likely to cause oneself trouble or difficulty in the near future.

    He constantly ignores the company's rules; he's really riding for a fall.

  • ride herd on someone/something

    To supervise and control a group of people and their activities, ensuring they adhere to certain standards or rules.

    The manager needs to ride herd on the team to make sure all the projects are completed on time.

  • be riding high

    To be very successful or prosperous; to be in a state of great triumph or good fortune.

    Their company has been riding high since the release of their new product.

  • a rough ride

    A period of difficulty or challenges.

    The startup had a rough ride in the market as they struggled to find clients.

  • take someone for a ride

    To deceive or exploit someone, often for personal gain.

    That company is clearly taking its customers for a ride.

Phrasal Verbs of ride

  • ride something out

    to persist through a challenging period until it ends, without experiencing significant harm.

    During the economic crisis, many businesses had to fight to survive and ride it out.

  • ride up

    When a garment rides up, it shifts upward and becomes displaced.

    This skirt always rides up, making me feel uncomfortable.

  • ride on something/someone

    When your success or significant outcomes, like reputation or financial gains, depend on a specific person or factor, they will be realized if that person or factor succeeds.

    Her success rides entirely on the support of her mentor.