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 The legend began in 1903 with a humble saloon in Tampa where trolley conductors and cigar-factory workers ducked in for a slurp of strong coffee. Andrew Barrett Schrader, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 The orchestra and conductor wore 18th-century costumes. The Indianapolis Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Lilly joined the Cassirer family by marrying the opera conductor Fritz Cassirer. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 In Maestro, Bradley Cooper explores the sexuality of conductor Leonard Bernstein, while in Poor Things, Emma Stone plays a grown woman with a baby's brain who is discovering her sexuality. TIME, 5 Mar. 2024 Each conductor has their own style, Breidenbaugh said. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024 Three rail unions — the massive SMART-TD union that represents conductors, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen — have issued statements supporting the current management team at Norfolk Southern. Josh Funk, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024 Other nominees included Cooper, 49, earns his fourth acting nod at the SAG Awards his portrayal of conductor Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, . Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 Classical music The San Diego Symphony, led by conductor/music director Rafael Payare, is taking its show on the road. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conductor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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