screwdriver

noun

screw·​driv·​er ˈskrü-ˌdrī-vər How to pronounce screwdriver (audio)
plural screwdrivers
1
: a tool for turning screws see also flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver
2
: vodka and orange juice served with ice

Examples of screwdriver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The screwdrivers were recovered from his car’s trunk, and are purported to be torture utensils. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 That might sound like yet another dubious use of artificial technology, but anyone who's ever had to deal with different screw sizes has likely had the experience of trying a couple of different screwdrivers or bits to get the exact right fit. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 Use a screwdriver to remove the upper and lower metal panels. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2026 Ahmed’s desk was covered in soldering tools, screwdrivers, and bits of wire. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screwdriver

Word History

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of screwdriver was in 1735

Phrases Containing screwdriver

Rhymes for screwdriver

See All Rhymes for screwdriver

Browse Nearby Words

screwdrive
screwdriver
screwdriver bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Screwdriver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screwdriver. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

screwdriver

noun
screw·​driv·​er ˈskrü-ˌdrī-vər How to pronounce screwdriver (audio)
: a tool for turning screws

More from Merriam-Webster on screwdriver

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about screwdriver

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