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screwdriver

American  
[skroo-drahy-ver] / ˈskruˌdraɪ vər /

noun

  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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of screwdriver

First recorded in 1770–80; screw + driver

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.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 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

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