cabdriver
UK[ˈkæbˌdraɪvə]US[ˈkæbˌdraɪvər]
n
a person whose job is to drive a taxi
Morpheme Breakdown
cab
driver
cab
taxi
driver
one who drives
Etymology
The word 'cabdriver' is a transparent compound formed in the late 19th to early 20th century. Its first element, 'cab', is a clipped form of 'cabriolet', a light, two-wheeled carriage with a folding hood. The term was transferred to the early motorized vehicles for hire. The second element, 'driver', stems from the Old English verb 'drīfan', meaning to propel or urge forward. The compound logically and literally denotes "one who drives a cab," illustrating a straightforward pattern in English for naming occupations by combining the object or vehicle with the agent suffix '-er'.
Analysis
Structure: cab (taxi) + driver (one who drives)
- cab: Shortened from 'cabriolet', a type of horse-drawn carriage, later applied to motorized taxis. Origin: French, from 'cabrioler' (to leap, caper).
- driver: From the verb 'drive'. Origin: Old English 'drīfan' (to force, push, pursue).
Examples
The cabdriver knew all the quickest routes through the city's busy streets.
She left her briefcase in the back seat and had to call the company to find the cabdriver.
He worked long hours as a cabdriver to save money for college.