'Pedal' vs 'Petal' vs 'Peddle': What's the Difference Between Them?

Do you need to know the difference between 'pedal' vs. 'petal' vs. 'peddle?' I can help!

Here is the short answer:

• 'Pedal' is a noun, verb, and adjective that means a foot-operated lever or to operate a foot-powered lever.
• 'Petal' is a noun for the brightly colored part of a flower. 
• 'Peddle' is a verb that means to sell things. 

While the answer above gives you an overview of the difference between these terms, there is much more to learn. So, continue reading this guide with definitions, pronunciations, and tips for using each term.

What is the Difference Between 'Pedal' vs. 'Petal' vs. 'Peddle?'

When it comes to 'pedal' vs. 'petal' vs. 'peddle,' these three terms have identical pronunciations. However, they have different meanings, spellings, and parts of speech.

• 'Pedal' is the most diverse term in the trio. It is a noun, verb, and adjective related to a foot-operated lever.
• The second term, 'petal,' is a noun that refers to the colorful part of a flower.
• The last word, 'peddle,' is a verb that means to sell things.

When and How to Use 'Pedal' vs. 'Petal' vs. 'Peddle'

Now that you know the difference between these terms, here are some tips for when and how to use each.

• Use 'pedal' as a noun to refer to a foot-powered lever on a bicycle.

For example, you could say:

I couldn't ride my bike because the pedal broke.

• Use 'pedal' as a noun to refer to a foot-powered lever on an electrical device that controls amplification on a musical instrument.

As an example, you might say:

You can adjust the amplification of your guitar with the pedal board.

• Use 'pedal' as a noun to refer to a lever you use your foot to operate to control a base drum.

So, I might say:

Learning to play the drums is more complicated than you might think. You have to learn how to hit the drums while using the foot pedal to control the base drum at the same time. 

• Use 'pedal' as a verb to say that someone is using a pedal.

For example, you might say:

You have to pedal your bike. 

• Use 'pedal' as an adjective to describe something relating to the foot.

As an example, you might hear someone say:

The kids made pedal cars for the race. 

• Use 'petal' to refer to the colorful part of a flower.

So, you could say:

The rose petals were the most beautiful color of red. 

• Use 'peddle' as a verb when referring to people selling things.

As an example, you might say:

You can't peddle that stuff around here without a permit. 

Definition of 'Pedal': What Does 'Pedal' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the meaning of the noun 'pedal' is:

• A foot-powered lever used to control a piano, drums, or an organ

It can also mean:

• An electronic device used to control loops of amplification of musical instruments and voices
• A foot-powered lever that operates a mechanical device

'Pedal' can also be an adjective that means:

• Relating to or of the foot
• Involving or relating to a pedal

You can also use 'pedal' as a verb meaning:

• To work or use a pedal
• To pedal a bike
• To operate the pedals of a musical instrument

Synonyms of 'Pedal'

The thesaurus does not list any synonyms for 'pedal.'

Definition of 'Petal': What Does 'Petal' Mean?

The same dictionary defines 'petal' as:

• The brightly colored portion on the corolla of a flower

Synonyms of 'Petal'

Due to 'petal' being a specific term, it has no synonyms.

Definition of 'Peddle': What Does 'Peddle' Mean?

'Peddle' is a verb defined as:

• To travel with items to sell

It can also mean:

• To go from place to place with things to sell
• To be occupied by trifles
• To seek to disseminate
• To promote snake oil as something valuable

Synonyms of 'Peddle'

• Sell
• Hawk
• Distribute
• Wholesale
• Retail
• Vend
• Market
• Trade
• Merchandise
• Hustle
• Disseminate

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Pedal' vs. 'Petal' vs. 'Peddle'

Now that you thoroughly understand the difference in the meanings of these words, let's look at the pronunciation.

Here is a pronunciation guide you can reference:

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'pedal':

pe-del

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'petal':

pe-del

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'peddle':

pe-del

Sample Sentences Using 'Pedal' vs. 'Petal' vs. 'Peddle'

Before you leave, read these sample sentences using 'pedal' vs. 'petal' vs. 'peddle.'

Pedal

• You have to pedal your bicycle faster if you want to stay upright.
• The pedal car races are always fun for the children. They get to build a car, decorate it, and then race it against the other children.
• The pedal on her bike broke when she crashed into the other bicyclist.
• The pedals on race bikes have devices that attach to your shoes, but if you prefer, you can use clipless pedals.

Petal

• The brightly colored petals on the flowers are beautiful.
• Petals are very fragile. You have to be careful not to damage them.
• The honeymoon suite had rose petals on the bed and a beautiful fruit and wine basket.
• Petals are not just pretty. They attract bees that pollinate flowers and fruits.

Peddle

• There are a bunch of people peddling their wares downtown.
• In most cities, you have to have a license to peddle food out of a food truck.
• You can peddle your jewelry at the weekend market. It is a great way to find new customers.
• If you peddle your products there, be prepared to receive a ticket.

A Final Word on the Difference Between 'Pedal' vs. 'Petal' vs. 'Peddle'

Congratulations, you made it to the end of the lesson. Here is a quick recap of what you learned about 'pedal' vs. 'petal' vs. 'peddle':

• 'Pedal' is a noun, adjective, and verb that refers to a foot-powered lever used to control a mechanical or electronic device. 
• 'Petal' is a noun that refers to the colorful portion of the corolla of a flower. 
• 'Peddle' is a verb that means to sell items from place to place. 

Hopefully, after reading this post, you will remember the difference between 'pedal' vs. 'petal' vs. 'peddle.' But if you forget the difference between these terms, you can always come back to this page for a quick review.

You can also learn about other terms in the confusing words section here. Each guide has a brief and detailed description of the difference and definitions, pronunciations, and usage tips. So, whether you are an aspiring writer or an English language learner, these guides can help you expand your vocabulary and learn valuable grammar rules and usage tips.