I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ verb
Etymology: hitch (II) + hike
intransitive verb
: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles or in transport available by chance
boys hitchhiking home from school
soldiers hitchhiking back to their base in a military plane
transitive verb
1. : to proceed or progress on (as a course or way) by hitchhiking
hitchhiked his way to the Pacific coast
2. : to obtain (a ride) as a hitchhiker
hitchhiked a lift on the next plane out
II. noun
1. : a trip made by hitchhiking
2. or hitch·hik·er “ə(r) : a brief commercial that follows a radio or television program and usually advertises a secondary product of the sponsor
III. intransitive verb
: to be carried or transported by chance or unintentionally
destructive insects hitchhiking on ships