designated driver

American  

[des-ig-ney-tid drahy-ver] / ˈdɛs ɪgˌneɪ tɪd ˈdraɪ vər /

noun

1. a person who abstains from alcoholic beverages at a gathering in order to be fit to drive companions home safely. DD

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designated driver British  

noun

1. a person who volunteers not to drink alcohol on a social occasion, so that he or she can safely drive other people who have been drinking

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Etymology

Origin of designated driver

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Others want to retain the ability to be responsive or responsible for later activities, like serving as a designated driver, operating heavy machinery or being “on-call” for work.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2024

So whether you are sober, sober-curious, pregnant, dieting, the designated driver, or need to wake up early for a big meeting, there’s no reason to miss out on a great drink.

From Washington Times • Jun. 28, 2023

The Eagles lived life in the fast lane; he was the designated driver.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2020

I’m his Lyft driver, or, as I have come to think of it, his designated driver on demand.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2020

James, our designated driver, got the bus out of its space and a quarter of the way past the rows of parked vehicles when we heard the police whistle.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers