Hitchhiking vs. Autostop — What's the Difference?

Hitchhiking (also known as thumbing or hitching) is a means of transportation that is gained by asking individuals, usually strangers, for a ride in their car or other vehicle. The ride is usually, but not always, free.

(uncountable) A coupon-based system of hitchhiking.

To travel by soliciting free rides along a road.

(countable) An automatic stopping mechanism or system.

To solicit or get (a free ride) along a road.

To stop automatically.

Present participle of hitchhike

The act of one who hitchhikes.

(genetics) A form of evolution caused by genetic drift.