English Reference

Word

driver

Phoneticsdriv·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdɹaɪvɝ/

UK/dɹˈaɪvɐ/

Definitions

01vehicle operator

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a person who operates a car, bus, truck, or other vehicle.

n. a person who operates a motorised vehicle, such as a car, bus, or train.

“The bus driver waited for the elderly woman to sit down before moving.”

“The delivery driver navigated the narrow city streets with impressive precision, ensuring the fragile cargo arrived at the warehouse undamaged.”

Antonyms

02computing software

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a small program that tells your computer how to use a piece of hardware, like a printer.

n. a software component that acts as an interface between the operating system and a hardware device.

“I had to download a new driver before my computer would recognise the printer.”

“After updating the graphics driver, the system's performance improved significantly during high-resolution video rendering.”

Synonyms

03motivating factor

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal

n. something that makes a situation develop or change.

n. a factor or force that causes a particular phenomenon to happen or develop.

“Customer feedback is the main driver of our new product design.”

“Economists argue that technological innovation remains the primary driver of long-term productivity growth in developed nations.”

Antonyms

04golf club

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a long golf club used for hitting the ball a very long distance.

n. the longest-hitting club in a golfer's bag, typically used for the initial shot from the tee.

“He used his driver to hit the ball onto the green from the tee.”

“The professional golfer selected his driver, aiming for a powerful opening shot that would clear the water hazard entirely.”

Synonyms

one-wood

Antonyms

putter

05mechanical tool

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Engineering Technical

n. a tool or part of a machine used to turn or push something else.

n. a mechanical tool or component designed to impart motion or pressure to another part.

“You will need a nut driver to tighten these specific bolts.”

“The technician inspected the pile driver to ensure the hydraulic pressure was sufficient for the foundation work.”

Etymology

From Middle English drivere, dryvere, dryvare, equivalent to drive + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Drieuwer (“driver”), Dutch drijver (“driver”), German Low German Driever (“driver”), German Treiber (“driver”), Swedish drivare (“driver”).

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

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Domains

AviationComputingEngineeringNautical

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference