riding

1 of 4

noun (1)

rid·​ing ˈrī-diŋ How to pronounce riding (audio)
Synonyms of ridingnext
: the action or state of one that rides

riding

2 of 4

adjective

1
: used for or when riding
a riding horse
riding boots
2
: operated by a rider
a riding mower

riding

3 of 4

noun (2)

ri·​ding ˈrī-diŋ How to pronounce riding (audio)
1
: one of the three administrative jurisdictions into which Yorkshire, England, was formerly divided
2
: an administrative jurisdiction or electoral district in a British dominion (such as Canada)

riding

4 of 4

present participle of ride entry 1

Examples of riding in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Who the gamblers predict will win A quick check of Kalshi on Thursday morning showed more than $65 million riding on the balance of power in Congress, with a 66% chance the Democrats would sweep both the House and Senate. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 That makes the Delta 3 Ultra Plus particularly interesting for remote riding, camping, or emergency transportation. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026 Animal art tended to be focused on the masculine world of sport—hunting, horse riding, and, a little later, horse racing. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 Two modules would configure the motorcycle for lighter urban use, while all eight would provide the full 24-kWh capacity for longer rides and high-performance riding. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riding

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English -redying or trithing, alteration of Old English *thriding, from Old Norse thrithjungr third part, from thrithi third; akin to Old English thridda third — more at third entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of riding was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing riding

Rhymes for riding

See All Rhymes for riding

Browse Nearby Words

ridiculousness
riding
riding bitts
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riding. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

riding

adjective
rid·​ing
ˈrīd-iŋ
1
: used for or when riding
riding boots
2
: operated by a rider
a riding mower

More from Merriam-Webster on riding

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for riding

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about riding

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