Cruising: meaning, definitions and examples

⛴️
Add to dictionary

cruising

 

[ ˈkruːzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

on a ship or boat

Travel smoothly at a moderate or economical speed. To travel without a precise destination, often for pleasure.

Synonyms

glide, navigate, sail, sweep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cruising

Typically used when talking about traveling smoothly and steadily, especially in a vehicle or on water. It implies a leisurely and relaxed journey.

  • We spent the afternoon cruising around the island.
  • They're cruising down the highway with no particular destination.
sail

Specifically refers to traveling on water using a boat or ship. It can also be used metaphorically to describe moving smoothly and confidently.

  • They plan to sail across the Atlantic Ocean next summer.
  • She sailed through the exam without any difficulties.
navigate

Often used in the context of finding the way through a route, either literally (in terms of travel) or metaphorically (in terms of handling a situation).

  • He navigated through the dense forest using only a compass.
  • She had to navigate through a series of complex problems.
sweep

Describes a broad, smooth, and often powerful movement. Can be used literally (physical movement) or metaphorically (a comprehensive action).

  • The broom swept the floor clean in one motion.
  • The new policy changes will sweep through the entire organization.
glide

Used when describing smooth, effortless, and often graceful movement through air or water. It can also describe someone moving smoothly and quietly.

  • The bird glides effortlessly through the sky.
  • She glided across the dance floor with ease.

Examples of usage

  • We spent the afternoon cruising along the coast.
  • They were cruising around the Caribbean on a luxury yacht.
Context #2 | Verb

in a vehicle

Drive or move slowly around without a specific purpose or direction.

Synonyms

drive, explore, ride, wander.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cruising

Best for when you are driving at a steady speed on a road, often with the purpose of enjoying the journey without hurry.

  • They were cruising along the highway with the windows down.
  • We spent the afternoon cruising by the beach.
drive

Used in everyday language when referring to operating a vehicle from one place to another.

  • I need to drive to the grocery store.
  • She drives to work every morning.
ride

Typically used when you are traveling in or on a vehicle, such as a car, bike, or bus.

  • They took a ride through the countryside.
  • She rides her bike to school every day.
wander

Most appropriate when you are moving around without a specific destination or purpose, often on foot.

  • They like to wander through the city streets.
  • We wandered around the park for hours.
explore

Ideal for situations where you are traveling with the purpose of discovering new places or things.

  • We went to explore the old town.
  • He loves to explore new hiking trails.

Examples of usage

  • They were cruising around town in their convertible.
  • We cruised the streets looking for a place to eat.

Translations

Translations of the word "cruising" in other languages:

🇵🇹 navegação

🇮🇳 क्रूज़िंग

🇩🇪 Kreuzfahrt

🇮🇩 berlayar

🇺🇦 круїз

🇵🇱 rejs

🇯🇵 クルージング

🇫🇷 croisière

🇪🇸 crucero

🇹🇷 kruvaziyer

🇰🇷 크루징

🇸🇦 رحلة بحرية

🇨🇿 plavba

🇸🇰 plavba

🇨🇳 巡航

🇸🇮 križarjenje

🇮🇸 sigling

🇰🇿 круиз

🇬🇪 კრუიზი

🇦🇿 kruiz

🇲🇽 crucero

Etymology

The word 'cruising' originated from the Dutch word 'kruisen', which means 'to cross'. It was initially used in the context of sailing, referring to traveling at a moderate speed without a specific destination. Over time, the term expanded to include other forms of travel, such as driving or moving around leisurely. Today, 'cruising' is commonly associated with relaxed and enjoyable journeys, whether on a ship, in a vehicle, or simply wandering aimlessly.

See also: cruise, cruiser.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,379, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.