driver

American  

[drahy-ver] / ˈdraɪ vər /

noun

1. a person or thing that drives.

2. a person who drives a vehicle; coachman, chauffeur, etc.

3. a person who drives an animal or animals, as a drover or cowboy.

4. Also called number one wood.  Golf. a club with a wooden head whose face has almost no slope, for hitting long, low drives from the tee.

5. Machinery.

   1. a part that transmits force or motion.

   2. the member of a pair of connected pulleys, gears, etc., that is nearer to the power source.

6. Computers. software or hardware that controls the interface between a computer and a peripheral device.

7. Railroads. driving wheel.

8. British. a locomotive engineer.

9. Audio.

   1. the part of a loudspeaker that transforms the electrical signal into sound.

   2. the entire loudspeaker.

10. Nautical.

    1. a jib-headed spanker sail.

    2. a designation given to one of the masts abaft the mizzen on a sailing vessel having more than three masts, either the fifth or sixth from forward.

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driver British  

/ ˈdraɪvə /

noun

1. a person who drives a vehicle

2. in a position of control

3. a person who drives animals

4. a mechanical component that exerts a force on another to produce motion

5. golf a club, a No. 1 wood, with a large head and deep face for tee shots

6. electronics a circuit whose output provides the input of another circuit

7. computing a computer program that controls a device

8. something that creates and fuels activity, or gives force or impetus

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driver Idioms  

1. see backseat driver; in the driver's seat.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nondriver
  noun
• driverless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of driver

First recorded in 1350–1400, driver is from the Middle English word drivere. See drive, -er ¹

Example Sentences

But the search often misses something fundamental: The real driver of productivity isn’t the layout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

The driver of the Lexus “remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation,” according to the statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

After sitting out the first session so Ferrari junior driver Dino Beganovic could have a run, Hamilton was only ninth fastest in the second session.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

The IPO will also be watched for the impact it has on the tech sector, the driver of returns over the past three years.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

James glanced at the cab driver, who was paying no attention to us.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• chauffeur
• jockey
• motorist
• operator
• trainer