Engineering English
Screwdriver
Tools, Equipment & Measurements · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A hand tool with a shaped tip that engages the recess in a screw head so the screw can be driven in or withdrawn. Tip profiles such as slotted, cross and hexalobular must match the fastener to avoid damage.
Example in context
“Choose a screwdriver whose tip exactly fills the screw recess, otherwise the blade slips and the head is quickly damaged beyond removal.”
“Ucu vida yuvasını tam dolduran bir tornavida seçin, aksi halde uç kayar ve baş kısa sürede sökülemeyecek kadar bozulur.”
Where engineers use it
Used in electrical panels, electronics assembly, instrumentation and light mechanical work where small threaded fasteners are installed. Engineers specify drive types and insulated versions to guarantee safe, reliable and repeatable assembly.
Synonyms: screw driver
Practice: can you use “Screwdriver” at work?
You must brief a trainee on which screwdriver types belong in an electrical maintenance kit and why insulated shafts are mandatory near live equipment.
Show a model answer
“Match the screwdriver tip to the screw recess before turning it.”
“Screwdriver” in 21 languages
| English | Screwdriver |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Tornavida |
| French | Tournevis |
| German | Schraubendreher |
| Spanish | Destornillador |
| Chinese | 螺丝刀 |
| Arabic | مفك براغي |
| Portuguese | Chave de fenda |
| Russian | Отвёртка |
| Japanese | ドライバー |
| Italian | Cacciavite |
| Vietnamese | Tua vít |
| Hindi | पेचकस |
| Thai | ไขควง |
| Indonesian | Obeng |
| Korean | 드라이버 |
| Bengali | স্ক্রুড্রাইভার |
| Dutch | Schroevendraaier |
| Swedish | Skruvmejsel |
| Finnish | Ruuvitaltta |
| Ukrainian | Викрутка |
Frequently asked questions
What does Screwdriver mean in engineering?
A hand tool with a shaped tip that engages the recess in a screw head so the screw can be driven in or withdrawn. Tip profiles such as slotted, cross and hexalobular must match the fastener to avoid damage. In Tools, Equipment & Measurements, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Screwdriver?
Screwdriver is pronounced /ˈskruːˌdraɪvə/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Screwdriver used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “Choose a screwdriver whose tip exactly fills the screw recess, otherwise the blade slips and the head is quickly damaged beyond removal.”
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