Cruise
/kruːz/noun
To travel by ship or for pleasure, or to move smoothly at a steady pace.
Did you know?English **cruise** comes from Dutch *kruisen*, “to cross,” originally tied to sailing back and forth on a crosswise route, not luxury travel.
Etymological Timeline
Old Dutch
Dutch
kruisen
“to cross; to sail back and forth across a sea route”
17th Century
English
cruise
“to sail to and fro, especially in search of enemy ships”
17th Century
English
cruise
“a voyage by warship or privateer”
19th Century
English
cruise
“a leisurely sea voyage for pleasure”
Modern English
English
cruise
“to travel on a ship for pleasure or to move smoothly at a steady speed”