cruise

verb

\ ˈkrüz

cruised; cruising

Definition of cruise

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to sail about touching at a series of ports

2 : to move or proceed speedily, smoothly, or effortlessly I'll cruise over to her house to see if she's home

3 : to travel without destination or purpose

4a : to go about the streets at random but on the lookout for possible developments the cabdriver cruised for an hour before being hailed

b : to search (as in public places) for a sexual partner

5a of an airplane : to fly at the most efficient operating speed

b of an automobile : to travel at a speed suitable for being maintained for a long distance

transitive verb

1 : to cruise over or about

2 : to inspect (land) with reference to possible lumber yield

3a : to search in (a public place) for a sexual partner

b : to approach and suggest sexual relations to

4 : to explore or search the offerings of especially : surf cruise the Internet

cruise

noun

Definition of cruise (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act or an instance of cruising especially : a tour by ship

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cruise

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Examples of cruise in a Sentence

Verb

We cruised for a week down the Yangtze River. He dreams of cruising the Mediterranean. The bus was cruising at 55 miles per hour. We were cruising along the highway. The plane was cruising at 30,000 feet. On Friday nights, teenagers cruise the main street in town to show off their cars. A car cruised past us.

Noun

We went on a weeklong cruise down the Yangtze River. They went on a cruise for their honeymoon.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

When cruising, the rear axles are disconnected to reduce frictional losses unless their traction is needed. — Houston Chronicle, "Range Rover Evoque gets added finesse, mild-hybrid versions," 14 June 2019 The Cardinals cruised to Omaha with 14-1 and 12-0 victories, eliminating a Pirates team with seven Major League draft picks, the most of any team in program history. — Gentry Estes, The Courier-Journal, "East Carolina coach rips NCAA on seeding, scheduling after Super Regional at Louisville," 9 June 2019 In Nevada, the initiative has faced little opposition and cruised to victory. — David Roberts, Vox, "Fossil fuel money crushed clean energy ballot initiatives across the country," 7 Nov. 2018 These improvements helped reduce the likelihood and severity of a fire, but in 1998 Swiss Air Flight 111, an MD-11 cruising from New York to Geneva, experienced an electrical fire that spread into the insulation overhead. — John Cox, USA TODAY, "Accidents that changed aviation: Controlling in-flight fires," 10 June 2018 Some go even beyond that: Continuum 115 in Mooresville has a boat for residents to check out and cruise on Lake Norman. — Ely Portillo And Hannah Lang, charlotteobserver, "There's an 'arms race' to lure renters, and it now involves pet spas and beer gardens," 13 June 2018 Two incumbent Sacramento City Council members cruised to re-election on Tuesday night and a third appeared to be headed for another term as well. — Ryan Lillis, sacbee, "Sacramento City Council: Ashby, Jennings win re-election. Schenirer takes big lead," 5 June 2018 The luxury car, whose new models can carry a six-figure price tag, was cruising south on the freeway just after 12 a.m. Tuesday when the accident occurred, Oregon State Police said. — Shane Dixon Kavanaugh, OregonLive.com, "Drunken Ferrari driver wrecks new ride on I-5, Oregon State Police say," 30 May 2018 Robinson's uncle cruised nearby on a motorcycle blasting gospel and R&B. Mardi Gras Indians danced and beat drums. — Hanna Krueger, NOLA.com, "Hundreds gather to celebrate the life of Keeven Robinson, who died in JPSO custody," 19 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Country-music star Brantley Gilbert will return to the sea for another edition of Brantley Gilbert’s Kick It in the Ship cruise, sailing between Miami and Cozumel, Mexico, Nov. 4-8. — Ben Crandell, sun-sentinel.com, "Brantley Gilbert cruise: Country stars sailing from Miami on Nov. 4," 14 June 2019 Periodicals and newspapers began running features on resort towns and advertised summer activities and goods: cruises, camping gear, mineral springs. — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, "The Invention of the “Beach Read”," 14 June 2019 Because Kellie, 54, was an elementary school teacher who hoped to be healed in time for a summer Caribbean cruise, the surgery was scheduled for her March 2012 spring break. — Jeff Truesdell, PEOPLE.com, "How ‘Dr. Death’ Left a Trail of Horror Across Texas Hospitals, Leaving 33 Patients Maimed or Dead," 13 June 2019 Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the waters of Loch Ness, keeping a careful eye out for the legendary beast lurking below the surface, or explore loch-side Urquhart Castle. — National Geographic, "Scotland Private Expedition," 12 June 2019 The boat cruise, hosted by Motor City Brew Tours, will feature over 40 seasonal beers and hard ciders from Michigan and elsewhere. — Micah Walker, Detroit Free Press, "Places to take Dad on Father's Day around metro Detroit," 10 June 2019 The Sapphire Preferred Card earns super flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be used for nearly any type of travel redemption including hotel stays, cruises, car rentals, and flights. — Caroline Lupini, USA TODAY, "The best travel credit cards of 2019," 5 June 2019 Even worse There are alternatives to flying, of course. Perhaps a cruise? — New York Times, "If Seeing the World Helps Ruin It, Should We Stay Home?," 3 June 2019 Check its Super Cruise Specials, where a recent deal included a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Miami, starting at $445 (one month out). — Jill Fergus, Good Housekeeping, "The Best Sites and Apps for Finding Last-Minute Travel Deals," 26 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cruise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.