ENGLISH
REFERENCE

divers

n. · adj. · pron.
US //ˈdaɪvɝz// divers
  1. 1 people who swim underwater (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    more than one person who swims deep underwater, often with special equipment.

    the plural form of 'diver', referring to individuals who engage in underwater swimming or work.

    Example

    The divers searched the bottom of the lake for the lost keys.

    Example

    Professional divers were dispatched to inspect the hull of the ship for structural damage following the collision in the harbour.
    • scuba divers
    • frogmen
  2. 2 various or several (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    an old word meaning several different types of something.

    meaning various, several, or sundry; an archaic variant of 'diverse'.

    Example

    The old book described divers ways to cook a fish.

    Example

    The explorer's journal recounted divers adventures across the continent, ranging from narrow escapes to unexpected hospitality.

    Usage

    In modern English, this is almost always replaced by 'diverse' or 'various'.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 an indefinite number (pron.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    a formal or old way to say 'several people' or 'several things'.

    an indefinite number of people or things; functions as a plural indefinite pronoun.

    Example

    Divers of the group decided to leave before the storm began.

    Example

    Divers of his acquaintance had warned him against the investment, yet he proceeded with a stubborn disregard for their counsel.

    Teacher's tip

    This pronoun use is extremely rare in contemporary English and is typically only found in legal or biblical texts.
Etymology 1

See diver.

Etymology 2

See diverse.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference