motorist

noun

mo·​tor·​ist ˈmō-tə-rist 

: a person who travels by automobile

Synonyms of motorist

• driver

Examples of motorist in a Sentence

When our car broke down, we were helped by a passing motorist.

environmental organizations suggest that motorists get together and carpool to avoid adding to pollution levels

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told Putin on Tuesday that officials were considering suspending diesel fuel exports to protect the country’s motorists, adding to ongoing bans on the export of jet fuel and gasoline, according to the Tass news agency. — Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

To get around the closure, Caltrans District 3 advises motorists to merge onto westbound Interstate 80, take the Kidwell Road exit, turn left onto Kidwell Road and then turn left onto the eastbound Interstate 80 on-ramp. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

Metro Atlanta motorists can expect gasoline prices to continue to fall for the Fourth of July holiday, a busy time for travel, especially as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday. — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 23 June 2026

Those were snapped up immediately following their release on an official messaging app channel, and motorists lined up for hours, waiting to refuel. — ABC News, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

motorist

noun

mo·​tor·​ist ˈmōt-ə-rəst 

: a person who travels by automobile