driver
DREYE-vuh
Driver (noun) means a person who operates a vehicle. Example: “The bus driver waited for the last passenger.”
noun
1
A person who operates a vehicle.
"The bus driver waited for the last passenger."
"The taxi driver took a shortcut to get us to the station on time."
"My dad has been a lorry driver for many years."
2
Software that lets a computer communicate with a piece of hardware.
"She had to update the printer driver before it would work."
"The new camera would not work until I installed the right driver."
"If the screen looks blurry, try downloading a newer graphics driver."
3
A golf club used to hit the ball a long distance from the tee.
"He reached for his driver on the first hole."
"With a smooth swing of her driver, she sent the ball down the fairway."
"Most beginners find the driver the hardest club to control."
4
A factor or cause that leads to a particular result.
"Low interest rates were a key driver of the housing boom."
"Customer demand is the main driver of growth for the small bakery."
"Curiosity is a powerful driver of scientific discovery."
How to use driver
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who drives a vehicle, a computer program controlling hardware, a type of golf club, or a cause behind some outcome.
Common pairings
bus driver
device driver
key driver
golf driver
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Word forms
- Plural
- drivers
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The bus _____ waited for the last passenger.
Synonyms
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nondriver
Related words
Rhymes for driver
See all rhymes for driver →Frequently asked questions
What does “driver” mean?
The word “driver” means a person who operates a vehicle. In plain terms, someone who drives a vehicle, a computer program controlling hardware, a type of golf club, or a cause behind some outcome.
How do you pronounce “driver”?
“Driver” is pronounced DREYE-vuh (/ˈdɹaɪvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “driver” in a sentence?
Here is “driver” used in a sentence: “The bus driver waited for the last passenger.”
What part of speech is “driver”?
“Driver” is a noun.
Is “driver” a common word?
“Driver” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “driver” have?
“Driver” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who operates a vehicle.
What is the difference between a driver and a chauffeur?
A driver is anyone who operates a vehicle, whether for work, travel, or leisure. A chauffeur is a professional driver employed to drive someone else, usually in a private or luxury car. Every chauffeur is a driver, but a chauffeur specifically drives passengers as a paid, personal service.
What are the other meanings of driver?
Besides a person who operates a vehicle, driver can mean a force that causes something to happen ('a key driver of growth'), a piece of software that lets a computer control hardware ('a printer driver'), or a golf club used for long shots from the tee. Context makes the meaning clear.
What does it take to be a good driver?
A good driver combines skill, attention, and responsibility. That means knowing the rules of the road, staying alert to hazards, controlling speed, and anticipating what other road users might do. Patience and calm under pressure matter too, as does keeping the vehicle well maintained. Experience sharpens judgement over time.
Is 'driver' a gender-specific word?
No. Driver applies equally to anyone who operates a vehicle, regardless of gender. Unlike some older occupational terms, it has always been neutral, so there is no separate male or female form. Whether the person is a bus driver, taxi driver, or racing driver, the same word is used.
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