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

• 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

Before Spikevax became available under an Emergency Use Authorization in December 2020, Moderna’s largest revenue driver wasn’t a product, but collaboration agreements and grants.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Oil price moves remain a key driver for eurozone government bonds, given Europe’s net importer position and the supply disruption due to the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Such a motorcycle must be registered with the DMV, and its driver must have a motorcycle license, according to the California Department of Justice.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

"Lysosomal dysfunction emerges as a central driver of stem cell aging," added Dr. Ghaffari.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

“Last stop,” the driver announces, only to me.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• chauffeur
• jockey
• motorist
• operator
• trainer