designated driver

noun

: a person chosen to abstain from intoxicants (such as alcohol) so as to transport others safely who are not abstaining
had some nonalcoholic champagne on hand for the designated drivers

Examples of designated driver 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.
Those planning to be designated drivers can buy specific tickets at the door, according to festival organizers. Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024 White Castle designated driver free drink deal through July 4 Through July 4 at White Castle, mention the Designated Driver offer between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. and get a free small soft drink. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 30 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of designated driver was in 1982

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Designated driver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designated%20driver. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!