drive-through

1 of 2

adjective

ˈdrīv-ˌthrü How to pronounce drive-through (audio)
variants or less commonly drive-thru
: drive-up

drive-through

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly drive-thru
: a drive-through establishment (such as a restaurant or bank)
also : the drive-through window at such an establishment

Examples of drive-through in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
The fast-growing chain introduced the drive-through window in 1970 and went public in 1976. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Za Zoom drive-through pizza by the slice concept is on the docket for North Tarrant Parkway in Fort Worth. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
Its first regional drive-through shop opened in February 2024 in Fountain Valley, drawing pre-dawn crowds on opening day. — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026 But moments later, another camera at a drive-through caught the lights of the plane streaking through the night sky toward the ground at a sharp angle. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drive-through

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1918, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drive-through was in 1918

Rhymes for drive-through

See All Rhymes for drive-through

Browse Nearby Words

drive someone wild
drive-through
drive time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drive-through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drive-through. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drive-through

adjective
ˈdrīv-ˌthrü
: drive-up
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