druthers
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of druthers
1870–75; plural of druther, ( I, you, etc.) 'd rather (contraction of would rather )
Explanation
Druthers means free choice or preference. When you have your druthers, you can do what you want. The word druthers always appears in the plural form and usually in a phrase like "If I had my druthers..." It refers to a preference, wish, or desire. If you had your druthers, maybe you would sleep till 11 every day. If you had your druthers, maybe you would live in Australia. The word druthers evolved from a pronunciation of the phrase I’d rather, which should help you remember the meaning: Your druthers are the things you’d rather do.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They may get their druthers in the end.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
“If I had my druthers, I wouldn’t be leaving, especially at a time of crisis,” Estrada said from a large table at his 12th-story office.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025
If Rick Hendrick had his druthers, he might well put William Byron at the top of the list.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2023
Nowadays, of course, given my druthers, I’d probably pick one of the other of the vast array of tripods that Joby sells.
From The Verge • Jun. 16, 2022
Most folks say it’s wrong, but if I had my druthers, I’d ride a mule over a horse any day.
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
