riding

1 of 4

noun (1)

rid·ing ˈrī-diŋ

Synonyms of riding

: the action or state of one that rides

riding

2 of 4

adjective

: used for or when riding

a riding horse

riding boots

: operated by a rider

a riding mower

riding

3 of 4

noun (2)

ri·ding ˈrī-diŋ

: one of the three administrative jurisdictions into which Yorkshire, England, was formerly divided

: 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

Look for tall riding boots by brands like Frye, Etienne Aigner, and Coach. — Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026 Somewhere along the California coast is a 22-year-old riding a purple bicycle bound for Seattle. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Motorcycle riding academies, autocross events, drag racing, track tours, camping and other activities give fans plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year. — Chris Teague, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Canada has upcoming special elections, or by-elections, in a handful of ridings, or parliamentary districts. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 3 Sep. 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Riding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riding. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

riding

adjective

rid·ing

ˈrīd-iŋ

: used for or when riding

riding boots

: operated by a rider

a riding mower

riding

noun (1)

adjective

noun (2)

Examples of riding in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on riding

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gist

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes

riding

noun (1)

adjective

noun (2)

Examples of riding in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing riding

Rhymes for riding

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on riding

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gist

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes