Standard Lemma guide

piggybacking

noun · verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: P IH1 G IY0 B AE2 K IH0 NG Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The act or process by which someone piggybacks.

Riding on someone else's back.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • No piggybacking or other horseplay is allowed in the hallways.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The act or process by which someone piggybacks.

Transport involving vehicles arranged in an analogous way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The act or process by which someone piggybacks.

Inappropriately gaining entry into a restricted area, past a checkpoint, by tagging along behind another person who is authorized.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • The security team watches who comes through the door, and they will stop anyone who is seen piggybacking behind a badgeholder.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: tailgating

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

The act or process by which someone piggybacks.

Joining in an activity that is initiated or led by someone else.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • Piggybacking on others' innovations seems to be his only plan for success.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

present participle and gerund of piggyback

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

See piggyback.