ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cruise

n. · v.
US //ˈkɹuz// UK //kɹˈuːz// cruise
  1. 1 holiday on a ship (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The luxury cruise offered passengers an all-inclusive experience, featuring nightly entertainment and guided excursions at every port of call.
  2. 2 steady travel phase (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The pilot maintained a steady cruise for three hours before air traffic control requested a gradual descent into the busy terminal area.
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  1. 3 to travel steadily (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to travel at a steady, efficient speed without stopping.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The hybrid vehicle is designed to cruise silently at low speeds, switching to the petrol engine only when rapid acceleration is required.
  2. 4 to win easily (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

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

    to achieve a victory with little effort or opposition.

    Example

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

    Example

    Despite the early pressure from the challengers, the defending champion cruised to his fifth consecutive title without dropping a single set.
  3. 5 to look for a partner (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
Origin

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

Word family

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