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

The massive uptick has two primary drivers, says Joseph Glauber, former chief economist at the U.S.

From Science Magazine

For many years, scientists and policy makers have been largely focused on addressing other drivers of climate change, especially the burning of fossil fuels, which is by far the largest contributor to global emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

For decades, Los Angeles prioritized drivers above all other road users — and vehicle speeds over safety and quality-of-life concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

A man has been arrested after a tractor driver was seen driving through deep floodwaters in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, which led to damage to shops.

From BBC

Two toddlers were killed Sunday night when a speeding drunk driver ran a red light, causing a three-car collision, police allege.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chauffeur
• jockey
• motorist
• operator
• trainer