ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cruising

v. · n.
US //ˈkɹuzɪŋ// UK //kɹˈuːzɪŋ// cruis·ing
  1. 1 traveling at a steady speed (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    traveling at a constant, comfortable speed, especially in a car, boat, or plane.

    maintaining a constant and efficient speed during transit, typically after the acceleration phase.

    Example

    The pilot said we would be cruising at thirty thousand feet for the rest of the flight.

    Example

    Once the vessel cleared the harbour, the captain maintained a cruising speed that balanced fuel efficiency with the scheduled arrival time.

    Usage

    Often used with 'at' to specify speed or altitude.
  2. 2 recreational sailing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the activity of sailing around on a ship for a holiday or for fun.

    the act of travelling by sea for pleasure, often visiting several places as part of a holiday.

    Example

    They spent their summer cruising around the Greek islands on a small yacht.

    Example

    The rise of luxury cruising has transformed the local economy, bringing thousands of tourists to the port every weekend during the peak season.
  3. 3 driving for fun (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    driving around a town or area slowly, usually to see people or be seen by others.

    the social activity of driving a vehicle slowly and aimlessly through public spaces, often associated with youth culture.

    Example

    On Friday nights, many teenagers go cruising down the main street in their cars.

    Example

    Local residents complained about the noise and traffic congestion caused by groups cruising through the historic district late at night.
    • joyriding
  4. 4 baby's early walking (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    when a baby walks by holding onto furniture for support before they can walk alone.

    a developmental stage in infant motor skills where the child walks while maintaining balance by holding onto external objects.

    Example

    The baby is cruising now, so we have to make sure all the furniture is stable.

    Example

    Pediatricians monitor cruising as a vital milestone, as it demonstrates the muscular strength and coordination required for independent ambulation.

    Usage

    Commonly used in child development contexts.

  5. 5 searching for a partner (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang

    walking or driving around looking for a casual sexual partner.

    the practice of walking or driving in public areas to find a partner for casual sexual encounters.

    Example

    The park was a well-known spot for cruising after dark.

    Example

    Sociological studies of urban subcultures have often examined cruising as a method of establishing social and sexual connections in anonymous public spaces.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is specific to sexual subcultures; learners should be aware of its sensitive nature in general conversation.

Origin

By surface analysis, cruise + -ing.

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

Last updated June 20, 2026