diver

American  

[dahy-ver] / ˈdaɪ vər /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of diver

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

Example Sentences

Now retired, he is Britain's most decorated diver having competed in five Olympic Games and collected three bronze, one silver and one gold medal.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

"But I do not think it was a diver, I do not think it was a good swimmer."

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

They used the drone to illuminate the site and transmit video to colleagues so they could see the diver was safe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

Peering through his goggles, diver Ted Judah had laid eyes on a deep-sea creature rarely encountered by humans.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

All of a sudden the tears start flowing, and Mrs. Ruiz and Mrs. Caldwell are escorting Stephanie, the sad scuba diver, out the doors and to the locker room.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Related Words

• boater
• cadet
• marine
• pilot