English Reference
Noun

chauffeur

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈʃoʊfɝ/ UK /ʃəʊfˈɜː/ chauf·feur UK spelling chauffeuring, chauffeurs

n.a person whose job is to drive a private car for someone else.

n.a person employed to drive a private or hired automobile for another individual. Often implies a high level of service and a formal uniform.


SIMPLE

The chauffeur waited by the car for the guests to arrive.

CONTEXTUAL

Many high-profile executives hire a chauffeur so they can work on their laptops during the morning commute.

COMPLEX

While the rise of ride-sharing apps has changed the transport industry, the traditional chauffeur remains a symbol of luxury and personalized service for the wealthy.

Usage

Commonly used as a job title or to describe the role of a professional driver in a private context.

Pitfall
He chauffeurs for a livingHe is a chauffeur / He works as a chauffeur

While 'chauffeur' can be a verb, it is much more commonly used as a noun to describe the profession.

Shea berated the shooter, then calmly turned to Baker-Carr, his chauffeur.

Smithsonian Magazine· 1 Sept 2026

But, C said, he did not want to be a chauffeur or a butler.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Borrowed from French chauffeur.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French chauffeur
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated