What does motoring mean?
Motoring means driving or travelling in a motor vehicle, most often a private car. In British English it is especially common in discussions of the practical, financial, and social aspects of road travel, as in references to motoring expenses, safety, news, and holidays. The term can sound formal or traditional and may evoke an older era of British car culture, although it remains readily understood in American English. “Driving” is the usual neutral alternative, while “motoring” often carries a slightly nostalgic or specialized tone. The word is also used attributively before other nouns and may broadly refer to travel by motor vehicle. As a countable activity it is generally treated as an uncountable noun: people speak of motoring to a place or of the practicalities of motoring rather than counting individual instances of it.
The activity or business of driving or travelling by motor vehicle, especially a car.
"The holiday is ideal for families who enjoy motoring and sightseeing."
Chiefly British and usually uncountable. “Driving” is more common in American English.
Relating to driving or travelling by motor vehicle.
"The company offers motoring insurance for drivers over seventy."
Used mainly before nouns, as in “motoring costs,” “motoring news,” and “motoring holiday.”
In British English, motoring is not merely driving: it evokes the entire culture and practical world of taking to the road.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motoring come from?
“Motoring” was formed in the 19th century from “motor” and the suffix “-ing,” with “motor” meaning a machine that produces movement. The word “motor” comes through French from Latin motor, meaning “mover,” ultimately derived from Latin movere, “to move.” Related English words include “motorist,” “motion,” and “motive,” all associated with the same Latin root.
How motoring is actually used
Chiefly British and traditionally more common in British English than in American English, where “driving” is usually preferred. It can suggest the practical costs and hazards of road travel, as well as the pleasure or leisure of touring by car.
Easily confused with motoring
A motor is the machine that converts energy into motion, whereas motoring is the activity of driving or travelling in a motor vehicle.