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.

---

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

---

driver Idioms  

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

---

Other Word Forms

• driverless adjective
• nondriver noun

Etymology

Origin of driver

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

Example Sentences

But these big events, while a boon to specific industries like hotels, bars and restaurants, are hardly a driver in a city’s budget.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

But Williams driver Alex Albon says he's been kept busy in a slightly different way.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

“Markets are navigating elevated volatility amid heightened geopolitical risk, with the Federal Reserve’s rate outlook remaining a primary driver for risk assets, including digital assets,” DeFi Technologies president Andrew Forson said.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

The council expects Asia to remain a key driver of investment demand, while central-bank buying is projected to stay strong and near 2025 levels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“Maybe you want to go to the elementary school instead?” the bus driver asked.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• chauffeur
• jockey
• motorist
• operator
• trainer