# conductor

/kənˈdəktɝ/ (US) · /kəndˈʌktɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conductor
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. music leader

noun · CEFR B2

the person who stands in front of an orchestra or choir and directs how they play or sing.

For teachers: the director of an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble who coordinates the performance through visible gestures.

- The conductor raised her baton, and the entire orchestra became silent.
- The guest conductor was praised for his nuanced interpretation of the symphony, particularly his control over the woodwind section during the second movement.

### 2. transport official

noun · CEFR B2

a person on a train, bus, or tram who checks tickets and helps passengers.

For teachers: a transit employee responsible for collecting fares, verifying tickets, and ensuring passenger safety.

- The conductor walked through the train cars to check everyone's tickets.
- The conductor informed the passengers that the delay was due to a signalling fault and offered assistance with connecting travel arrangements.

### 3. science/energy

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a material that allows heat or electricity to flow through it easily.

For teachers: a substance or medium that conducts heat, light, sound, or especially an electric current.

- Copper is a very good conductor of electricity, which is why it is used in wires.
- Silver is the most effective thermal conductor among metals, though its high cost usually precludes its use in industrial heat exchangers.

### 4. a guide or leader

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

a person who leads or guides others.

For teachers: one who leads, guides, or directs the course of others; a person in a position of leadership.

- He acted as the conductor of the project, making sure everyone stayed on task.
- History remembers her as a primary conductor of the movement, orchestrating the various factions into a single, cohesive political force.

## Examples

- Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.
- The conductor raised her baton, and the entire orchestra began to play the first movement in perfect unison.
- In high-voltage applications, engineers must select a conductor with low resistance to minimize energy loss and prevent the system from overheating during peak demand.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.