English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

screwdriver

SKROO-dryv

Screwdriver (noun) means a hand tool with a shaped tip used to turn screws. Example: “He kept a small screwdriver in his desk drawer for tightening glasses.”

noun
1
A hand tool with a shaped tip used to turn screws.
"He kept a small screwdriver in his desk drawer for tightening glasses."
"You'll need a Phillips screwdriver for these screws."
2
A cocktail made from vodka and orange juice.
"She ordered a screwdriver at the brunch bar."

How to use screwdriver

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually the tool for turning screws; also a vodka-and-orange-juice cocktail.

Common pairings
flathead screwdriver Phillips screwdriver order a screwdriver

Word forms

screwdrivers plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “screwdriver” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He kept a small _____ in his desk drawer for tightening glasses.

Etymology

A simple compound of screw + driver — a tool that "drives" screws. The cocktail sense came much later, reportedly named for oil workers who stirred their drinks with an actual screwdriver.

Rhymes for screwdriver

See all rhymes for screwdriver →

Frequently asked questions

What does “screwdriver” mean?

The word “screwdriver” means a hand tool with a shaped tip used to turn screws. In plain terms, usually the tool for turning screws; also a vodka-and-orange-juice cocktail.

How do you pronounce “screwdriver”?

“Screwdriver” is pronounced SKROO-dryv (/ˈskɹuˌdɹaɪvɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “screwdriver” in a sentence?

Here is “screwdriver” used in a sentence: “He kept a small screwdriver in his desk drawer for tightening glasses.”

What part of speech is “screwdriver”?

“Screwdriver” is a noun.

Is “screwdriver” a common word?

“Screwdriver” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “screwdriver” have?

“Screwdriver” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hand tool with a shaped tip used to turn screws.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial