–noun

1.	a traveling amusement show, having sideshows, rides, etc.

2.	any merrymaking, revelry, or festival, as a program of sports or entertainment: a winter carnival.

3.	the season immediately preceding Lent, often observed with merrymaking; Shrovetide.

–verb (used without object)

1.	to sail about on a pleasure trip.

2.	to sail about, as a warship patrolling a body of water.

3.	to travel about without a particular purpose or destination.

4.	to fly, drive, or sail at a constant speed that permits maximum operating efficiency for sustained travel.

5.	to travel at a moderately fast, easily controllable speed: cruising along the highway enjoying the scenery.

6.	to travel about slowly, looking for customers or for something demanding attention: 8d8 Taxis and police cars cruise in the downtown area.

7.	to go or travel (often fol. by over): Let's cruise over to my house after the concert.

8.	Informal. to go about on the streets or in public areas in search of a sexual partner.

–verb (used with object)

9.	to cruise in (a specified area): patrol cars cruising the neighborhood; to cruise the Caribbean.

10.	Informal. a. to move slowly through or visit (a street, park, bar, etc.) in search of a sexual partner. b. to make sexual overtures to; attempt to arouse the sexual interest of.

11.	to inspect (a tract of forest) for the purpose of estimating lumber potential.

–noun

12.	the act of cruising.

13.	a pleasure voyage on a ship, usually with stops at various ports.