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Pedal or Peddle?
Pedal or Peddle?
What is the difference between "pedal" and "peddle"?- "Pedal" is a noun referring to a lever pressed or activated by the foot. For example:
- Gently press down on the left pedal.
- "Pedal" is also a verb meaning to push pedals. For example:
- Pedal as fast as you can.
- "Peddle" is a verb meaning to sell goods or to promote ideas. For example:
- I can peddle those TVs for you, governor.
- He peddles right-wing propaganda on street corners.


More about "Pedal" and "Peddle"
The words "pedal" and "peddle" sound identical. Therefore, they are homonyms. (More, specifically, "pedal" and "peddle" are a type of homonym called homophones.)Click on the Two Correct Sentences
(Interactive Game)
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Pedal
As a noun, a "pedal" is a lever or treadle, usually pressed or turned by the foot, in a mechanism (e.g., bicycle, piano).The verb "to pedal" refers to the act of turning pedals (usually with your feet).
Example sentences with "pedal":
- I couldn't pedal a bike as a child, so I had a donkey instead.
(Paralympic Games gold medallist Lee Pearson)
- When Mr. Ludwig invented the bass-drum pedal, that's what made the drum set possible.
(Musician Neil Peart)
Peddle
The verb "to peddle" means to sell (goods, illegal items, stolen items) or to promote (ideas or views).We often encounter "to peddle" in the context of the selling of illegal drugs or other illicit items.
Example sentences with "peddle":
- The group was arrested after trying to peddle guns.
- He criticized his fellow candidate for peddling risky ideas.
Pedalling or Pedaling
The -ing form of the verb "to pedal" has a different spelling in British English and American English.- We are pedaling as fast as we can.
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- We are pedalling as fast as we can.
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Common Terms with "Pedal" and "Peddle"
Common Terms with "Pedal":- pedal bin
- pedal bike
- pedal clips
- guitar pedal
- pedal power
- peddle goods
- peddle ideas
- peddle drugs
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?