noun
Very common
driving
DREYE-vihng
Driving (noun) means the activity of operating and steering a motor vehicle. Example: “Driving at night makes my grandfather nervous, so he stays at home after dark.”
noun
1
The activity of operating and steering a motor vehicle.
"Driving at night makes my grandfather nervous, so he stays at home after dark."
"He took driving lessons before his test."
"Driving in the city is more stressful than driving on the motorway."
adj
1
Powering or forcing something forward with great energy; intensely forceful, as of wind or rain.
"A driving wind pushed the small boat across the bay."
"The driving rain made it hard to see the road."
"Ambition was the driving force behind her success."
How to use driving
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the act of controlling a vehicle, or an adjective describing something that pushes forward with force.
Common pairings
driving test
driving licence
driving rain
driving force
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Word forms
- Plural
- drivings
- Comparative
- more driving
- Superlative
- most driving
Fill the gap
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_____ at night makes my grandfather nervous, so he stays at home after dark.
Etymology
From Old English drīfende, the present-participle form of "drive" — the same pattern as walking from walk.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for driving
living
giving
diving
striving
thriving
reviving
reliving
receiving
surviving
deceiving
forgiving
conniving
See all rhymes for driving →
Frequently asked questions
What does “driving” mean?
The word “driving” means the activity of operating and steering a motor vehicle. In plain terms, either the act of controlling a vehicle, or an adjective describing something that pushes forward with force.
How do you pronounce “driving”?
“Driving” is pronounced DREYE-vihng (/ˈdɹaɪvɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “driving” in a sentence?
Here is “driving” used in a sentence: “He took driving lessons before his test.”
What part of speech is “driving”?
Depending on how it is used, “driving” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “driving” come from?
The word “driving” comes from Old English. From Old English drīfende, the present-participle form of "drive" — the same pattern as walking from walk.
Is “driving” a common word?
“Driving” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “driving” have?
“Driving” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the activity of operating and steering a motor vehicle.
What is the difference between driving and riding?
Driving means you are in control — operating and steering the vehicle yourself. Riding means you are simply a passenger being carried along, or you are on something like a bicycle or horse. The key distinction is control: a driver works the wheel and pedals, while a rider does not.
Can driving be learned?
Yes. Driving is a practical skill anyone can learn through instruction and practice, usually with a qualified instructor followed by supervised hours on the road. Most places require learners to pass both a written theory test and a practical exam before earning a license to drive on their own.
What are the different types of driving?
Driving is often described by setting or purpose: city driving in heavy traffic, highway or freeway driving at speed, and off-road driving on rough ground. People also talk about defensive driving, which focuses on anticipating hazards, and performance or track driving done for sport rather than transport.
Why is driving important?
Driving gives people independence and mobility, letting them travel for work, shopping, and family without relying on public transport or others. For many it is essential to daily life and employment, especially in rural areas. It also underpins whole industries, from delivery and haulage to taxis and ride-sharing services.
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