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driver

n.
US //ˈdɹaɪvɝ// UK //dɹˈaɪvɐ// driv·er
  1. 1 vehicle operator (n.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The delivery driver navigated the narrow city streets with impressive precision, ensuring the fragile cargo arrived at the warehouse undamaged.
  2. 2 computing software (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    After updating the graphics driver, the system's performance improved significantly during high-resolution video rendering.
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  1. 3 motivating factor (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    something that makes a situation develop or change.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Economists argue that technological innovation remains the primary driver of long-term productivity growth in developed nations.
  2. 4 golf club (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The professional golfer selected his driver, aiming for a powerful opening shot that would clear the water hazard entirely.
    • one wood
    • putter
  3. 5 mechanical tool (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Engineering

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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