pedal

[ˈpɛd(ə)l]

pedal Definition

  • 1a foot-operated lever or control for a vehicle, musical instrument, or other mechanism
  • 2a flat piece of metal, rubber, or other material, pushed by the foot to operate a machine or control a vehicle

Using pedal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pedal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She pressed down on the gas pedal to accelerate the car.

  • Example

    The piano has three pedals: the soft pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the sustain pedal.

  • Example

    He used the brake pedal to slow down the bike.

pedal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pedal

Phrases with pedal

  • to go as fast as possible

    Example

    He put the pedal to the metal and raced down the highway.

  • power generated by pedaling a bicycle or other machine

    Example

    Many people use pedal power to commute to work.

  • pedal pushers

    pants that end at mid-calf, worn especially by women

    Example

    She wore a pair of pink pedal pushers with a matching top.

Origins of pedal

from Latin 'pes', meaning 'foot'

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Summary: pedal in Brief

A 'pedal' [ˈpɛd(ə)l] is a foot-operated lever or control used to operate a vehicle, musical instrument, or other machine. It can be made of metal, rubber, or other materials and is pushed by the foot to control the machine. Examples include the gas pedal in a car and the pedals on a piano. Phrases like 'pedal to the metal' mean to go as fast as possible, while 'pedal pushers' refer to pants that end at mid-calf.

How do native speakers use this expression?