Meaning & use
motorist
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A person who drives a car, especially when considered in relation to other road users.
Grammar: Countable: a motorist, two motorists. Often used in official or news contexts.
Patterns
- a motorist was fined
- motorists are advised
- help for motorists
Motorists are advised to avoid the city center during the marathon.
The new bridge will ease congestion for thousands of motorists.
A motorist stopped to help when the cyclist fell.
nouncountable
Someone who travels by car, as opposed to walking or cycling.
Grammar: Contrasts with 'pedestrian' and 'cyclist': motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Patterns
- motorists and pedestrians
- a passing motorist
The road is shared by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
A passing motorist gave us a lift to the nearest garage.
Word forms
| plural | motorists |
|---|
Common combinations
- motorists are advised
- Motorists are advised to check the weather before traveling.
- a passing motorist
- A passing motorist called the police after seeing the accident.
- help for motorists
- The website offers advice and help for motorists.
- motorists and pedestrians
- The crossing is designed to keep motorists and pedestrians apart.
Synonyms and how they differ
- driver
- The everyday word for anyone driving any vehicle; 'motorist' is slightly formal and usually means a car driver.
- car owner
- Focuses on owning a car, not on driving it.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: motorist or motorcyclist?
motorist vs motorcyclist
A motorcyclist rides a motorcycle, while a motorist drives a car.
Practice
The sign warns ______ that the road will be closed for repairs next week.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'motorists' is needed because the sign addresses all drivers. 'Motorist' is singular, 'motoring' is an activity, and 'motoric' is an adjective.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “motorist”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.