riding

1 of 3

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 3

adjective

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

riding

3 of 3

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)

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
The instrument panel is a five-inch color TFT screen with several different display layouts intended for normal road riding and track riding. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 For most of Season 3, many of those riders have come to realize that dragon riding is a whole lot of work with very little pay and they are still treated like second-class citizens. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Qiy Knee-High Riding Boots Another autumnal classic, knee-high riding boots are one of my mom’s go-to styles. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 For equestrian use, the property has two barns—a 1935 two-story stone structure and a 2017 modern one with six open stalls—along with an outdoor riding arena. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of riding for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about riding

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