cruise control: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1General, informal, technical (automotive)
Quick answer
What does “cruise control” mean?
A system in a vehicle that automatically maintains a constant, pre-set speed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system in a vehicle that automatically maintains a constant, pre-set speed.
A state or situation where minimal effort or attention is required to maintain steady progress; a figurative term for operating on autopilot.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to car culture, but widely used in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “cruise control” in a Sentence
set (cruise control) at 70put (the car) on cruise controloperate on cruise control (figurative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cruise control” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Cruise control is not a standard verb. One would say 'use cruise control' or 'set the cruise control'.
- The system allows you to cruise-control down the motorway. (rare, informal)
American English
- Cruise control is not a standard verb. One would say 'turn on cruise control' or 'engage cruise control'.
- I just cruise-controlled all the way here. (rare, informal)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The cruise-control function is very useful.
- A cruise-control system is standard on many cars.
American English
- The cruise-control feature saved my leg on the long drive.
- Check the cruise-control module for faults.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The company has been on cruise control for the last quarter, with no new initiatives.'
Academic
Used in engineering texts describing vehicular automation subsystems.
Everyday
'I set the cruise control for the motorway drive.'
Technical
'Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses radar to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cruise control”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cruise control”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cruise control”
- Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I cruise controlled home' is non-standard).
- Confusing 'cruise control' with 'autopilot', which implies full automation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cruise control only manages speed. Autopilot (in cars like Teslas) typically combines cruise control with steering assistance for a higher level of automation.
It is not recommended. Cruise control is designed for steady-speed, open-road driving like on motorways. Constant stopping and starting in city traffic makes it impractical and unsafe.
An advanced form of cruise control that uses sensors or radar to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically slowing down or speeding up as needed.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'After the exams, he put his social life on cruise control.' It describes a state of minimal effort to maintain progress.
A system in a vehicle that automatically maintains a constant, pre-set speed.
Cruise control is usually general, informal, technical (automotive) in register.
Cruise control: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruːz kənˌtrəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkruːz kənˌtroʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be on cruise control”
- “to put your life on cruise control”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CRUISE CONTROL: Just like a ship CRUISES steadily on the ocean, this system lets your car cruise steadily on the road without you controlling the speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTOMATIC PROGRESS IS CRUISE CONTROL (e.g., 'After the initial setup, the project ran on cruise control.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of cruise control?