A "chauffeur" is a person employed to drive a vehicle, typically a luxury car or limousine, for a private individual or organization. Unlike a regular taxi driver, a chauffeur is often responsible for ensuring a comfortable and safe travel experience, and may also perform additional duties such as managing luggage, maintaining the vehicle, and providing a level of concierge service.
The word "chauffeur" comes from the French word meaning "stoker," which was originally used to refer to someone who tended the fire in a steam engine. The term evolved in the early 20th century to describe a driver, particularly in the context of driving automobiles, as they had to "stoke" or manage the workings of the car.