screwdriver

American  

[skroo-drahy-ver] / ˈskruˌdraɪ vər /

noun

screwdrivers plural

1. a hand tool for turning a screw, consisting of a handle attached to a long, narrow shank, usually of metal, which tapers and flattens out to a tip that fits into the slotted head of a screw.

2. a mixed drink made with vodka and orange juice.

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screwdriver British  

/ ˈskruːˌdraɪvə /

noun

1. a tool used for turning screws, usually having a handle of wood, plastic, etc, and a steel shank with a flattened square-cut tip that fits into a slot in the head of the screw

2. an alcoholic beverage consisting of orange juice and vodka

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• screwdrivers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of screwdriver

First recorded in 1770–80; screw + driver

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

screwdriver screwdrivers

So even though he’s not the inventor, Henry Phillips will forever be remembered for the Phillips-head screw and screwdriver.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026

Marks that look like they were made with a screwdriver or crowbar were left behind.

From BBC ● Jan. 1, 2025

Getting any product to consumers, whether it's a can of sardines or a screwdriver, requires that supply chains function well.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2024

Let's say you want to train a robot so it understands how to use tools and can then quickly learn to make repairs around your house with a hammer, wrench, and screwdriver.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 3, 2024

How she wished she had a sonic screwdriver or a superhero’s radio-fixing powers.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

A survey by France's secondary school union found nearly 78% had recorded temperatures above 30C this week, and said it had received reports of teachers bringing in screwdrivers to prise windows open.

From BBC ● May 28, 2026

The screwdrivers are our apps, tightening such loose ends of daily life as banking, calendars, reminders.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2025

Notice how it is shut tight with unique screws that require special screwdrivers.

From New York Times ● Sep. 8, 2022

Spacious laundry rooms can also provide storage for common household items, such as batteries, flashlights and lightbulbs, as well as small everyday tools like tape measures and screwdrivers.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 3, 2022

The old man took out a small canister of tiny screwdrivers, pliers, files, and brass hammers.

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick