'rider' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'rīdere', where the root 'rīdan' meant 'to ride'.

'rider' changed from the Old English word 'rīdere' and through regular sound and spelling changes in Middle English eventually became the modern English word 'rider'.

Initially, it meant 'one who rides'; over time the term broadened to include 'passenger' (users of transport) and figurative senses such as an added 'provision' on a bill or policy.