Hitchhike

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈhɪtʃhaɪk/

Origin

From hitch + hike.

Full definition of hitchhike

Verb

1. To try to get a ride in a passing vehicle while standing at the side of a road. Generally by either sticking out one's finger or thumb or holding a sign with one's stated destination.
2. To be carried along with something else, for example Genetic Hitchhiking where a gene is propagated because it occurs in conjunction with a favourable mutation, or Cultural Hitchhiking where a cultural trait spreads with a technologically advanced population.

Synonyms

• hitch a ride
• hitch
• thumb a lift (UK)
• thumb a ride (US)