English Reference
noun · verb

cruise

n. · v.
US /ˈkɹuz/ UK /kɹˈuːz/ cruise UK spelling cruised, cruises

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a holiday spent on a large ship that visits several different places.

    n.a sea voyage for pleasure, typically calling at several ports as a vacation.

    Simple

    They saved up for a two-week cruise around the Mediterranean islands.

    In context

    The luxury cruise offered passengers an all-inclusive experience, featuring nightly entertainment and guided excursions at every port of call.

    voyageboat trip
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    n.the part of a flight or journey where the vehicle moves at a steady speed.

    n.the portion of a journey, especially in aviation, conducted at a constant airspeed and altitude.

    Simple

    Once the plane reached its cruise altitude, the flight attendants began serving drinks.

    In context

    The pilot maintained a steady cruise for three hours before air traffic control requested a gradual descent into the busy terminal area.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    v.to travel at a steady, efficient speed without stopping.

    v.to move at a constant speed for maximum operating efficiency or comfort.

    Simple

    We spent the afternoon cruising down the highway with the windows open.

    In context

    The hybrid vehicle is designed to cruise silently at low speeds, switching to the petrol engine only when rapid acceleration is required.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    v.to win a game or race very easily and without much effort.

    v.to achieve a victory with little effort or opposition.

    Simple

    The team cruised to a four-zero victory in the final match.

    In context

    Despite the early pressure from the challengers, the defending champion cruised to his fifth consecutive title without dropping a single set.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to walk or drive around a place looking for a romantic or sexual partner.

    v.to move about a public area actively seeking a casual sexual or romantic partner.

    Simple

    In the past, people would cruise this street on Friday nights to meet new people.

    In context

    The park was historically known as a spot where locals would cruise for companionship after the nearby clubs had closed for the night.

    Usage

    Often used as an intransitive verb in the context of nightlife or specific social districts.

Usage cruise missiles

That summer, the couple cancelled a cruise that was due to depart from New York City and go through the Panama canal.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Eco-taxes were also increased to €6 per night in summer up from €4 and for cruise passengers it rose from €2 to € 6 in the high season.

The Local· 20 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Dutch kruisen (“cross, sail around”), from kruis (“cross”), from Middle Dutch cruce, from Latin crux.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin crux
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated