ridden

word · lemma: ride

/ˈɹɪdən/
/ɹˈɪdən/

Definition

The past participle of 'ride', used to describe something or someone that has been on a horse, bicycle, vehicle, etc. It is also found in hyphenated forms like 'disease-ridden' to mean 'full of' or 'affected by' something.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used as a past participle in perfect tenses ('have ridden'). In compound adjectives (e.g., 'disease-ridden', 'crime-ridden'), means 'full of' or 'burdened by'. Do not use alone as present or simple past; use 'ride', 'rode'.

Example Sentences

He has ridden a horse before.

basic

She has never ridden a bicycle.

basic

Many roads in the area are ridden by cyclists every day.

basic

I've never ridden in a hot air balloon, but I would love to try it one day.

natural

That house is absolutely riddled with problems—it's practically crime-ridden.

natural

After the storm, the neighborhood looked debris-ridden and abandoned.

natural