What does "drivers" mean?

1. (people who drive) people who operate a car, bus, truck, or other vehicle. 2. (causes or influences) the main things that make something happen or change. 3. (computer software) special programs that tell your computer how to use hardware like a printer.

How do you use "drivers"?

usually plural when referring to a set of installation files

drivers

US //ˈdɹaɪvɝz// UK //dɹˈaɪvəz// driv·ers

1 people who drive (n.)
A2 Elementary

people who operate a car, bus, truck, or other vehicle.

individuals who operate motor vehicles.

Example

The police warned drivers to be careful on the icy roads this morning.

Example

Delivery drivers often face significant pressure to meet strict deadlines while navigating heavy urban traffic throughout their shifts.
- motorists
- operators
- passengers
- pedestrians
2 causes or influences (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

the main things that make something happen or change.

the primary factors or forces that provide impulse or motivation for a process or trend.

Example

Lower costs and better technology are the main drivers of the new project.

Example

Economists identified rising consumer demand and low interest rates as the primary drivers of the recent market expansion.
- factors
- forces
- catalysts
- inhibitors
- obstacles
3 computer software (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

special programs that tell your computer how to use hardware like a printer.

software components that act as translators between an operating system and a specific hardware device.

Example

I need to download the latest drivers for my new printer to work.

Example

The system crash was eventually traced to outdated graphics drivers that were incompatible with the latest operating system update.

Usage

usually plural when referring to a set of installation files
- software
- controllers

Last updated June 19, 2026