# cruising

/ˈkɹuzɪŋ/ (US) · /kɹˈuːzɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. traveling at a steady speed

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- They spent their summer cruising around the Greek islands on a small yacht.
- The rise of luxury cruising has transformed the local economy, bringing thousands of tourists to the port every weekend during the peak season.

### 3. driving for fun

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- On Friday nights, many teenagers go cruising down the main street in their cars.
- Local residents complained about the noise and traffic congestion caused by groups cruising through the historic district late at night.

### 4. baby's early walking

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The baby is cruising now, so we have to make sure all the furniture is stable.
- 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. searching for a partner

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

walking or driving around looking for a casual sexual partner.

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

- The park was a well-known spot for cruising after dark.
- Sociological studies of urban subcultures have often examined cruising as a method of establishing social and sexual connections in anonymous public spaces.

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

## Examples

- We spent the afternoon cruising along the coast.
- They spent the weekend cruising through the countryside, stopping only when they saw a view they liked.
- The old convertible was built for cruising, designed to offer a smooth, quiet ride that made every mile feel like a holiday.

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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.