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.
Technologies such as dynamic line ratings, power flow controllers, topology optimization software and conductors are critical. Michael Ponting, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 Such conductors as Hervé Niquet, György Vashegyi, Marc Minkowski, and Rousset elicit vital performances from the orchestras of Liège, Brussels, Montpellier, Budapest, Munich, and Monte Carlo, among others. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 Another conductor was brought in to salvage the production, but an offended Walska flounced off to Paris, and Zazà was canceled. Morgan Richter, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025 An Amtrak conductor walks alongside a train on a platform at the Amtrak Diridon San Jose Station, San Jose, California, USA, October 25, 2024. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conductor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conductor. Accessed 20 Aug. 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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