# cruiser

/ˈkɹuzɝ/ (US) · /kɹˈuːzɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cruiser
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a warship

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a police car

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a car used by police officers to patrol the streets.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a type of bicycle

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a pleasure boat

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. seeking partners

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The navy sent a cruiser to patrol the coast.
- He bought a heavy cruiser motorcycle to make the long drive to his summer cabin more comfortable.
- During the Second World War, cruisers served as the backbone of naval fleets, balancing firepower with the speed needed to hunt down enemy merchant vessels.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.