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

At or near the summit, Mr. Chin took out what looked like an electric screwdriver, and he and the others bolted skis onto their boots.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 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

Instead, E.Z. turned out to be carrying an electric screwdriver, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2024

The screws were stubborn, most of them factory- tight, resisting the twists of the screwdriver.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Handheld multitools are a great item to keep on hand, with many options featuring various knives, bottle openers, screwdrivers, and even scissors.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

“You think you’re going to go there and the hammers and the screwdrivers will still be hanging on the wall?” he asked her.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

"They use screwdrivers to uproot the succulents and they carry backpacks and sacks to keep the stolen plants."

From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2024

Keep a box with these essential basics: a tape measure, claw hammer, utility knife, level, crescent wrenches, hex keys, a handsaw, pliers, multiple screwdrivers and a collection of screws and nails.

From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2023

“Fine. Know what they use screwdrivers for, Goober?”

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier