driving

[ drahy-ving ]

adjective

1. demanding a high or unreasonable rate of work from subordinates.
2. vigorously active; energetic:

   a driving young executive.

3. having force and violence:

   a driving storm.

4. relaying or transmitting power.
5. used while operating a vehicle:

   driving gloves.

driving

/ ˈdraɪvɪŋ /

adjective

1. having or moving with force and violence

   driving rain

2. forceful or energetic
3. relating to the controlling of a motor vehicle in motion

   driving test

Other Words From

• driving·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of driving¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; drive + -ing ²

Example Sentences

At one point, Zelocchi was driving his car with Iza in the back seat when Iza asked to stop at a gas station in Riverside County for food, according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times

They can also be extra cautious when driving at night, when mountain lions in populated areas are more likely to be active.

From Science Daily

"Sometimes within a region of DNA known to be associated with Alzheimer's there are many genes, and we don't know which of those genes are driving the medical condition," Cruchaga said.

From Science Daily

“Crispy Skin,” from the English experimental rock band Squid’s upcoming third album, “Cowards,” is at once bright and nightmarish — a driving, six-minute post-punk tune inspired by a dystopian novel about cannibalism.

From New York Times

When “I Never Cry” opens, Ola has just failed the driving test for the fourth time.

From New York Times

Related Words

• propulsive