A Screwdriver, a Golf Driver and a Printer Driver
A driver operates a vehicle. The word extends to any tool or program that makes something else work.
A driver is someone who operates a vehicle. The word spread far beyond the road: a screwdriver drives screws, a golf driver drives the ball, a piling driver drives posts into the ground, and a printer driver is software that drives a device. Each one makes something else move or work.
- One who operates a vehicle. *A bus driver.*
- A tool. *A screwdriver.*
- A golf club. *He hit a driver.*
- Software controlling hardware. *Update the driver.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | driver | A careful driver. |
| Plural | drivers | Two drivers. |
| Verb | drive | Drive carefully. |
| Past | drove / driven | She has driven. |
| Related | driveway | A gravel driveway. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The printer driver needs updating.Software.
- Cost is the main driver of the decision.The factor pushing it.
- He is in the driving seat.In control.
Kinds of driver
- Vehicle driver — operates a car, bus or train
- Screwdriver — drives screws, and also a cocktail
- Golf driver — the club for the longest shots
- Device driver — software that lets an operating system control hardware
- Driver in analysis — a factor causing a change
From *drive*, Old English *drifan*, to force or urge forward. The software sense dates from the mid twentieth century.
What is a device driver?
Software that translates general commands from an operating system into the specific instructions a piece of hardware understands.
Why is a golf club called a driver?
Because it is used to drive the ball the greatest distance, usually from the tee.