# diver

/ˈdaɪvɝ/ (US) · /dˈaɪvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diver
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. underwater swimmer

noun · CEFR B1

a person who swims underwater, often using special equipment like oxygen tanks.

For teachers: a person who swims or works underwater, typically equipped with breathing apparatus or specialized gear.

- The diver found a beautiful coral reef while exploring the bay.
- Commercial divers were sent down to inspect the hull of the ship for damage after it struck the submerged rocks.

### 2. jumping athlete

noun · CEFR B1

an athlete who jumps into water from a high board or platform.

For teachers: a sportsperson who performs acrobatic leaps into water from a springboard or high platform.

- The Olympic diver performed a perfect somersault before hitting the water.
- The judges awarded the diver high marks for the technical difficulty of her final inward three-and-a-half tuck.

### 3. dishonest player

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a player who falls down on purpose to trick the referee into giving a penalty.

For teachers: a competitor, particularly in association football, who feigns a fall or injury to deceive the official into awarding a foul.

- The referee gave the striker a yellow card because he was a known diver.
- Pundits criticised the winger as a diver, arguing that his theatrical fall in the penalty area was a blatant attempt to manipulate the referee.

Usage: Commonly used in British English football contexts.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly specific to sports like football (soccer); learners should use it to describe cheating rather than actual swimming.

## Examples

- The diver jumped into the pool.
- She watched the diver spin twice before entering the water without a splash.
- The Olympic diver executed a flawless reverse somersault, earning perfect scores from every judge on the panel.

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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.