hitch

hitch — noun

1. a small, unexpected problem that briefly stops or slows down a plan or process,

1.nounB2
Definition

a small, unexpected problem that briefly stops or slows down a plan or process, but is usually not serious.

Example

The wedding went smoothly, apart from a small hitch when the flowers arrived late.

collocation: small hitch / without a hitch

There was a technical hitch with the microphone, so the speech started five minutes late.

collocation: technical hitch

Common collocations
  • without a hitch
  • technical hitch
  • small hitch
  • hit a hitch
Synonyms
  • snag

    more informal; suggests a practical, unexpected problem

  • glitch

    mainly for technical or electronic faults

  • setback

    implies a more serious reversal of progress

Usage Note

Often appears in the fixed phrase 'without a hitch', meaning perfectly smoothly. The negative form 'go off without a hitch' is very common.

Common Mistakes

There was a big hitch with the project.
There was a major setback with the project.
a 'hitch' is small and temporary; for serious problems, use 'setback' or 'obstacle'.

2. a temporary knot you tie around a post, ring, or another rope to hold it in plac

2.nounB2
Definition

a temporary knot you tie around a post, ring, or another rope to hold it in place, and which you release with a single quick pull of the free end.

Example

Ryan tied a simple hitch around the dock post to keep the boat from drifting.

The scout leader showed the children how to tie a quick-release hitch.

knot name: quick-release hitch

Common collocations
  • clove hitch
  • tie a hitch
  • quick-release hitch
Synonyms
  • knot

    general term; a hitch is a specific kind of knot that grips an object

  • bend

    a knot that joins two ropes, whereas a hitch attaches a rope to an object

Usage Note

Common specific types include 'clove hitch', 'timber hitch', and 'rolling hitch'. Each has a different purpose, but all share the quality of being easy to undo.

3. a metal or mechanical device attached to the back of a vehicle that allows it to

3.nounB2
Definition

a metal or mechanical device attached to the back of a vehicle that allows it to pull a trailer, caravan, or other load.

Example

The SUV has a metal hitch at the rear for pulling a small camping trailer.

collocation: metal hitch / trailer hitch

Elena checked that the hitch connecting the caravan to the car was locked securely.

Common collocations
  • trailer hitch
  • ball hitch
  • tow hitch
  • hitch receiver
Synonyms
  • towbar

    more common in British English for the same device

  • coupling

    technical term used especially for railway carriages or heavy equipment

Usage Note

In American English, 'hitch' often specifically means 'trailer hitch'. In British English, 'towbar' is also common for the same device.

hitch — verb

Word family

  • hitched
    adjectiveB2
  • hitching
    nounB2
  • unhitch
    verbC1
  • hitchhike
    verbB1
  • hitchhiker
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words describe problems, but they differ in severity and context. A hitch is a small, temporary problem that causes a short delay — easily fixed and soon forgotten. A snag is similar but often practical or procedural, like finding a form you need is missing. A glitch is almost always technical, referring to a minor fault in electronics, software, or machinery. A setback is more serious: it reverses progress and may require significant extra time or effort to overcome. An obstacle is something that blocks your path entirely and must be removed or worked around; it implies the hardest barrier of the five. For example: 'The wedding had a small hitch with the flowers, but no serious obstacle prevented the ceremony from happening — unlike the major setback of the venue cancelling.'

hitch ↗snagglitch ↗setback ↗obstacle ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • without a hitch
  • go off without a hitch

Prepositions

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

The word 'hitch' first appeared in English around the 1400s, likely from the Middle English word 'hytchen' or 'hicchen', meaning to move or pull with a jerk. The original idea was a quick, snatching motion — you can still see this in phrases like 'hitch one's chair closer'. From this core sense of catching or snagging something, the word developed two main branches: one leading to the knot and towing-device meanings (something that catches and holds), and another leading to the idea of a small obstacle that 'catches' or briefly stops your progress. The hitchhiking sense emerged in the early 1900s, coming from the phrase 'to hitch a ride' — catching a free journey by signaling to drivers.