Cruise

Definition

Cruise refers to sailing or traveling over water at a slow, leisurely pace, typically for pleasure. It can also mean to move or travel at a constant, moderate speed, such as in a car, ship, or airplane. In a broader sense, it refers to progressing smoothly without major effort or disruption.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kruːz/
• Respelling: krooz

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kruːz/
• Respelling: krooz

The pronunciation of "cruise" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "cruise" comes from the Dutch word "kruisen," meaning "to cross." It entered the English language in the late 17th century as a nautical term, referring to ships sailing on patrol or at a steady speed. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe leisurely journeys, particularly sea voyages taken for pleasure.

Derivatives

• Cruising (verb)
• Cruiser (noun)
• Cruise ship (noun)
• Sea cruise (noun)
• Cruise control (noun)

Synonyms

• Sail
• Journey
• Voyage

Antonyms

• Stop
• Rush
• Hasten

Usage

The word "cruise" is commonly used in reference to leisurely sea voyages or smooth, uninterrupted travel by various forms of transportation. For example, "They went on a Caribbean cruise," or "The car was cruising along the highway at a steady speed." It is also used metaphorically to describe an easy or unchallenged experience: "The team cruised to victory."

Related Terms

• Sail: To travel over water by ship or boat.
• Excursion: A short trip or journey, especially one taken for pleasure.
• Voyage: A long journey involving travel by sea or in space.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To sail or travel at a leisurely pace, typically for pleasure: Refers to the act of traveling slowly and steadily by water, usually without a specific destination.
  • Example: "We cruised along the coastline, enjoying the views."
• To move or travel at a constant, moderate speed: Refers to maintaining a steady pace in various forms of transportation, such as cars, ships, or airplanes.
  • Example: "The airplane cruised at an altitude of 30,000 feet."
• To progress smoothly without major effort: Refers to doing something easily or without significant obstacles.
  • Example: "The team cruised to an easy win."

Noun

• A journey or trip taken by ship for pleasure: Refers to a sea voyage taken for relaxation or vacation.
  • Example: "They are planning a Mediterranean cruise next summer."
• An act of traveling or moving at a steady speed: Refers to the experience of traveling smoothly, especially for an extended period.
  • Example: "The car trip was more like a leisurely cruise than a rush."