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

With a little "Aha!" he grabs a small screwdriver set and says, "I think we have everything now."

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

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

The 7ft by 9ft sculpture was made by Global Street Art using hundreds of discarded devices and includes some sonic screwdrivers.

From BBC ● Dec. 9, 2023

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 drawer next to the stove was where my mother kept leftover duck sauce, soy sauce, chopsticks, menus, tape, screwdrivers, but most importantly, all her coupons, organized and paper-clipped by product.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds