diver

[dahy-ver]

noun

1. a person or thing that dives.

2. a person who makes a business of diving, as for pearl oysters or to examine sunken vessels.

3. British.,  a loon.

4. any of several other birds noted for their skill in diving.

diver

/ ˈdaɪvə /

noun

1. a person or thing that dives

2. a person who works or explores underwater

3. Also called: loom. US and Canadian name: loon. any aquatic bird of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae, and order Gaviiformes of northern oceans, having a straight pointed bill, small wings, and a long body: noted for swiftness and skill in swimming and diving

4. any of various other diving birds

5. slang,  soccer a player who pretends to have been tripped or impeded by an opposing player in order to win a free kick or penalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of diver¹

First recorded in 1500–10; dive + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The Ukrainian diver the team traced to Poland was subsequently taken to Ukraine in a black BMW with diplomatic plates, driven by the Ukrainian military attaché in Warsaw.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When human divers return from great depths, they rise slowly so their bodies can adjust to the changing pressure.

Read more on Literature

"The military scuba divers who found the bodies of my husband and daughter said that they had managed to get out of the car and they were together, holding each other," says Toñi, in tears.

Read more on BBC

Emergency divers remained in the water for an hour to search the water in case there were any additional passengers in the vehicle, but none were found, authorities said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In November 2023, Canberra accused Beijing's navy of using sonar pulses in international waters off Japan, which resulted in injuries to Australian divers.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• boater 
• cadet 
• marine 
• pilot