chauffeur

chauf-feur · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person employed to drive a private or hired car.

  2. 2.

    To drive someone in a car as a chauffeur does.

Forms

plural: chauffeurs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chauffeured car — a car driven by a professional driver
  • •
    chauffeur-driven — having a chauffeur to drive

Related words

See also: driver, limousine, taxi, transport
Synonyms: driver, motorist

Etymology

From French chauffeur ("stoker, fireman"), from chauffer ("to heat"), because early automobiles were steam-powered and required someone to heat the engine. The meaning shifted to "automobile driver" as cars became common.