Pedal Definition

pĕdl

pedaled, pedaling, pedalled, pedalling, pedals

noun

pedals

A lever operated by the foot, used in transmitting motion, as on a bicycle, or a pad pressed by the foot in activating a mechanism, as on a sewing machine, so as to operate a device.

Webster's New World

Such a lever or pad used to change the tone or volume of a musical instrument, as an organ or harp.

Webster's New World

A similar foot-operated part attached to a crank and used for powering various devices, such as a bicycle.

American Heritage

A pedal point.

American Heritage

A pedal keyboard.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
pedal-point
foot lever
foot pedal
treadle
accelerator
gas feed
foot-feed
clutch
pedal-keyboard
brake

adjective

Of or operated by a pedal or pedals.

Webster's New World

Of or having to do with the foot or feet.

Webster's New World

verb

pedaled, pedaling, pedals

To move or operate by a pedal or pedals; use the pedals (of)

Webster's New World

To ride a bicycle.

American Heritage

To operate the pedals of.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Pedal

Noun

Singular:

pedal

Plural:

pedals

Origin of Pedal

French pédale from Italian pedale from Latin pedālis one foot long from pēs ped- foot ped- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From French pédale, Italian pedale, Latin pedālis

From Wiktionary