driver

[ drahy-ver ]

noun

1. a person or thing that drives.
2. a person who drives a vehicle; coachman, chauffeur, etc.
3. a person who drives an animal or animals, as a drover or cowboy.
4. Also called number one wood. Golf. a club with a wooden head whose face has almost no slope, for hitting long, low drives from the tee.
5. Machinery.
   1. a part that transmits force or motion.
   2. the member of a pair of connected pulleys, gears, etc., that is nearer to the power source.
6. Computers. software or hardware that controls the interface between a computer and a peripheral device.
7. Railroads. driving wheel ( def 2 ).
8. British. a locomotive engineer.
9. Audio.
   1. the part of a loudspeaker that transforms the electrical signal into sound.
   2. the entire loudspeaker.
10. Nautical.
    1. a jib-headed spanker sail.
    2. a designation given to one of the masts abaft the mizzen on a sailing vessel having more than three masts, either the fifth or sixth from forward. Compare pusher ( def 4 ), spanker ( def 1b ).

driver

/ ˈdraɪvə /

noun

1. a person who drives a vehicle
2. in the driver's seat
   in a position of control
3. a person who drives animals
4. a mechanical component that exerts a force on another to produce motion
5. golf a club, a No. 1 wood, with a large head and deep face for tee shots
6. electronics a circuit whose output provides the input of another circuit
7. computing a computer program that controls a device
8. something that creates and fuels activity, or gives force or impetus

Derived Forms

• ˈdriverless, adjective

Other Words From

• driv·er·less adjective
• non·driv·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of driver¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, driver is from the Middle English word drivere. See drive, -er ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see backseat driver ; in the driver's seat .

Example Sentences

Genes aren't the sole driver instructing cells to build multicellular structures, tissues, and organs.

From Science Daily

Since winning power, Labour has agreed above-inflation pay deals for workers including doctors and train drivers in an attempt to end long-running strikes.

From BBC

Though many homeless people struggle with addiction and mental illness, the strongest driver of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, research shows.

From Los Angeles Times

He added that Northern Rail was "working hard to address issues with traincrew availability so we can improve reliability for our customers", including agreeing a new rest-day working agreement for train drivers.

From BBC

Bravo content has long been a potent driver for Peacock.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chauffeur
• jockey
• motorist
• operator
• trainer