handlebar

noun

han·​dle·​bar ˈhan-dᵊl-ˌbär How to pronounce handlebar (audio)
Synonyms of handlebarnext
: a straight or bent bar with a handle at each end
specifically : one used to steer a bicycle or similar vehicle
—usually used in plural

Examples of handlebar 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.
Brake cables looped over the handlebars, a 42×23 gear was considered the maximum for climbing, and toe clips wouldn’t begin giving way to clipless pedals for another year. — Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 And what remains is all blacked out, except for the lower rocker covers and pushrod tubes – from the fork covers, the controls, the handlebar, the turn signals, the headlight bucket, the engine, exhaust, and even the rear fender struts. — New Atlas, 25 July 2026 Shoppers can type or search for a product on the handlebar touchscreen, and the cart’s map guides them to the aisle location. — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 Old men passed the guests on rickety bicycles, grocery bags knotted to their handlebars. — Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for handlebar

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handlebar was in 1844

Phrases Containing handlebar

Rhymes for handlebar

See All Rhymes for handlebar

Browse Nearby Words

hand lead
handlebar
handlebar moustache
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handlebar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handlebar. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handlebar

noun
han·​dle·​bar ˈhan-dᵊl-ˌbär How to pronounce handlebar (audio)
: a bar with a handle (as for steering a bicycle) at each end
—usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on handlebar

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