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

The order came a day after an ICE officer shot and killed a Colombian driver in Maine and a week after one shot and killed a motorist in Houston, renewing criticism of the agency’s tactics during enforcement operations. — Arkansas Online, 14 July 2026

As Illinois lawmakers are on pace to institute the state's largest toll hike ever, some motorists and truck drivers attended the first public hearing on Monday night to discuss the possible increase in North Chicago. — Sara MacHi, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The Maine attorney general’s office, which is also investigating, said initial statements suggest the motorist was trying to flee in the direction of the agent. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Ukraine’s drone strikes on oil refineries and other infrastructure across Russia have triggered a widespread fuel crisis with gasoline shortages and rationing in multiple regions and motorists waiting hours to fill their tanks. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 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