diver

American  

[dahy-ver] / ˈdaɪ vər /

noun

1. a person or thing that dives.

2. a person who makes a business of diving, as for pearl oysters or to examine sunken vessels.

3. British. a loon.

4. any of several other birds noted for their skill in diving.

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diver British  

/ ˈdaɪvə /

noun

1. a person or thing that dives

2. a person who works or explores underwater

3. Also called: loom.  US and Canadian name: loon.  any aquatic bird of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae, and order Gaviiformes of northern oceans, having a straight pointed bill, small wings, and a long body: noted for swiftness and skill in swimming and diving

4. any of various other diving birds

5. slang soccer a player who pretends to have been tripped or impeded by an opposing player in order to win a free kick or penalty

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Etymology

Origin of diver

First recorded in 1500–10; dive + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The Scottish photographer, a trained diver and marine biologist, captured spectacular views of the frozen world above and below the water.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

How they are laid: A diver attaches it to a ship’s hull, magnetically or with a nail gun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

How they are laid: A diver attaches it to a ship’s hull, magnetically or with a nail gun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Kozubenko was a diver and coach from Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

The harbour-master went back in his grey motor-boat, taking some men with him, and the diver who had come to the surface for the second time.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

• boater
• cadet
• marine
• pilot