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

“A screwdriver for Wonder Woman, coming right up. Eisner, Spier? Anything? Can I get you a beer?”

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

From screwdrivers to weapons, there is no need to reinvent existing tools.

From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2026

Its factories once stretched for nearly a mile down Myrtle Street, pumping out millions of screwdrivers, drills and other tools that, without exaggeration, helped build America over the past two centuries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026

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 top drawer was reserved for random items—handheld pencil sharpeners, school glue, masking tape, abnormally small screwdrivers, things like that.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds