English Reference
Noun

motorist

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ˈmoʊtɝɪst/ UK /mˈəʊtəɹˌɪst/ mo·torist UK spelling motorist's, motorist's

n.someone who drives a car. You usually see this word in news reports or on road signs.

n.a person who drives a motor vehicle, particularly a car. Often used in legal, journalistic, or formal contexts to distinguish drivers from pedestrians or cyclists.


SIMPLE

The police warned every motorist to be careful in the snow.

CONTEXTUAL

A passing motorist stopped to help the family change their flat tire on the side of the highway.

COMPLEX

Urban planners must balance the needs of the local motorist with the safety of pedestrians to create a functional city center.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural to refer to drivers as a collective group.

Diversions are in place and Transport Infrastructure Ireland is urging motorists to use a different route.

BreakingNews.ie· 26 Aug 2026

Motorists are encouraged to allow plenty of extra time for travel, and buses are also delayed.

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026

From motor + -ist.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated