Definition of "pedal" in English

noun

1. A lever operated by one's foot that is used to control or power a machine or mechanism, such as a bicycle or piano.

   • There are three pedals on manual cars, two on automatics.
   • A piano usually has two or three pedals.
   • the pedal of a loom

2. (medicine) an orthopedic structure or a footlike part.

3. (music) An effects unit, especially one designed to be activated by being stepped on.

4. (equestrianism, humorous) A stirrup.

5. (music) The ranks of pipes played from the pedal-board of an organ.

   • A small organ commonly has only one or two ranks on the pedal.

verb

1. To operate a pedal attached to a wheel in a continuous circular motion.

   • to pedal one's loom

2. (intransitive) To operate a bicycle.

   • He was out of breath from pedalling up the steep hill.

adjective

1. Of or relating to the foot.