English Reference

Word

cruiser

Phoneticscruis·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɹuzɝ/

UK/kɹˈuːzɐ/

Definitions

01a warship

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a large, fast warship that can travel long distances and fight independently.

n. a large, fast surface combatant with significant armament and long-range endurance, typically smaller than a battleship but larger than a destroyer.

“The navy sent a cruiser to patrol the international waters near the coast.”

“The guided-missile cruiser maintained a steady course, its radar systems scanning the horizon for any signs of unidentified aircraft.”

Synonyms

02a police car

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law American English

n. a car used by police officers to patrol the streets.

n. a police patrol vehicle, especially one used for highway or suburban monitoring.

“A police cruiser was parked at the corner with its lights flashing.”

“The officer stepped out of his cruiser to assist the motorists involved in the minor collision on the shoulder of the highway.”

Synonyms

squad carpatrol car

03a type of bicycle

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a comfortable bicycle with wide tires, made for slow rides on flat ground.

n. a heavy-framed bicycle designed for casual, upright riding, typically featuring balloon tires and a single-speed drivetrain.

“We rented a couple of cruisers to ride along the beach path.”

“The vintage cruiser, with its wide handlebars and cushioned seat, was perfectly suited for a relaxed afternoon ride through the park.”

Synonyms

beach cruiser

04a pleasure boat

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a large boat or yacht used for relaxing trips at sea.

n. a motorboat or sailing yacht equipped with living quarters for pleasure voyages.

“They spent their summer weekends on a small cruiser in the Mediterranean.”

“The luxury cruiser was equipped with a full galley and sleeping berths, allowing the family to spend several days at sea in total comfort.”

Synonyms

yachtcabin cruiser

05seeking partners

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. someone who visits public places or bars looking for a sexual partner.

n. an individual who frequents public spaces, bars, or specific neighborhoods in search of sexual encounters.

“The park was known as a popular spot for cruisers late at night.”

“The documentary explored the subculture of cruisers in urban parks before the advent of digital dating applications.”

Usage

Often used in the context of LGBTQ+ history and social practices.

Real-World Examples

“Police said the suspects fled in a “newer-model white pickup truck” that crashed into a responding police cruiser while leaving the area.”
Toronto Sun 30 Aug 2026
“Ignoring their orders, the vehicle crashed into another cruiser while leaving the scene.”
Toronto Sun 15 Sept 2026

Etymology

From cruise + -er.

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

Word family

NOUN

cruiser(B2)

Domains

MilitaryNautical

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference