As a Noun: 1. A person who travels by getting lifts in other people's cars, which they ask for by standing at the side of the road with their thumb held out. English = hitch-hiker. 2. The way of travelling by getting lifts in other people's cars, which you ask for by standing at the side of the road with your thumb held out. English = hitch-hiking. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To travel by getting lifts in other people's cars, which you ask for by standing at the side of the road with your thumb held out. English = hitch-hike.