# driver

/ˈdɹaɪvɝ/ (US) · /dɹˈaɪvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/driver
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. vehicle operator

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. computing software

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. motivating factor

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

something that makes a situation develop or change.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. golf club

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. mechanical tool

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The driver stops the bus at the corner.
- The taxi driver navigated through heavy traffic to reach the airport on time.
- After upgrading the operating system, the technician had to install a new graphics driver to ensure the monitor displayed the correct resolution.

---

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.