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

“If you were a humanoid robot, would you use a screwdriver or invent a new screwdriver?” he asked.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 7, 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 second sailor, a compact gray-bearded man in his sixties, stared at them openmouthed, a screwdriver in his hand.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

“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

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

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

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

From New York Times ● Sep. 8, 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