conductor

noun

con·​duc·​tor kən-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce conductor (audio)
: one that conducts: such as
a
: guide
b
: a collector of fares in a public conveyance
a railroad conductor
c
: the leader of a musical ensemble
an orchestra conductor
d(1)
: a material or object that permits an electric current to flow easily
Copper wire is a good conductor.
compare insulator, semiconductor
(2)
: a material capable of transmitting another form of energy (such as heat or sound)
Aluminum is a conductor of heat.
conductorial adjective

Examples of conductor in a Sentence

Metal is a good conductor of electricity.
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.
Nhlanhla Mahlangu is both choral conductor and associate director. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025 The band will be led by two guest conductors, Vince Hernandez and Bruce Mansfield. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 The company has not found broken conductors, arch marks, or evidence of faults on energized lines in the area where the Eaton Fire started. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025 Per the release, SCE has not found common or clear signs, like broken conductors, new arc marks near the initial fire area or faults in the active lines there, that would link its equipment to the fire. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conductor 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French conducteur "director, guide," borrowed from Medieval Latin conductor "employer, lessee, escort, guide," going back to Latin, "employer, contractor, lessee," from condūcere "to bring together, join, hire, accept a contract for" (Medieval Latin also "to lead, escort, provide a channel for [water]") + -tor, agent suffix — more at conduce

Note: Parallel to the Latinate form was Middle French conduiteur, Old French conduitour (from conduire "to guide, escort," going back to Latin condūcere), which was loaned into Middle English as conduytour. Compare conduit.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conductor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near conductor

Cite this Entry

“Conductor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conductor. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

conductor

noun
con·​duc·​tor kən-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce conductor (audio)
1
: a person who collects fares in a public means of transportation (as a bus or railroad train)
2
: the leader of a musical group
3
: a substance or body that can allow electricity, heat, or sound to pass through it

Medical Definition

conductor

noun
con·​duc·​tor kən-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce conductor (audio)
1
a
: a material or object that permits an electric current to flow easily
b
: a material capable of transmitting another form of energy (as heat or sound)
2
: a bodily part (as a nerve fiber) that transmits excitation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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