conductor

noun

con·​duc·​tor kən-ˈdək-tər 

: 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

ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

kən-

adjective

Examples of conductor in a Sentence

Metal is a good conductor of electricity.

Recent Examples on the Web

From the start — before the start — Leicester’s season has been disharmonious, with the threat of a points deduction hanging over them, Enzo Maresca leaving for Chelsea in early June, Steve Cooper, his replacement, lasting five months and Ruud van Nistelrooy now the conductor of catastrophe. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

In sharp contrast, the NSO offers only a single annual talk with a guest conductor — but only those who contribute a minimum of $350 can hear it. —Marty McBroom, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025

Based on his highlights, the physical guard who can rebound, read defenses and problem-solve with his own shot creation has the potential to fit perfectly as the conductor for the Huskies’ complex offense, which ranked top-15 in the nation despite its inconsistencies this season. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2025

Two teenagers attacked an MTA conductor on a Brooklyn train Monday, punching her in the face and stealing her conductor keys, police said. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing conductor

• lightning conductor

Rhymes for conductor

• abductor
• constructor
• destructor
• inductor
• instructor
• semiconductor
• superconductor

Kids Definition

conductor

noun

con·​duc·​tor kən-ˈdək-tər 

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 

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