DWI

abbreviation or noun

ˌdē-ˌdə-bəl-(ˌ)yü-ˈī How to pronounce DWI (audio)
plural DWIs
1
US : the crime of driving a vehicle while intoxicated : dui
was arrested for DWI
a DWI charge/case
2
US : an arrest or conviction for driving while intoxicated
Brian's license had been revoked and his new job threatened after a third DWI.—Lee Durkee
3
US : a person who is arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence
a convicted DWI

Examples of DWI 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.
Engen, 27, is charged with one count each of DWI, fourth-degree DWI and speeding. — Nick Lentz, CBS News, 26 June 2026 He was charged with DWI, a felony drug offense and fleeing to elude arrest after he was picked up in the Orchard Park neighborhood. — Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 However, the original DWI charge remained active. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 In 2011, Pinkel faced a DWI charge after he was pulled over just before the final home game of the season against Texas Tech. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for DWI

Word History

Etymology

driving while intoxicated

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of DWI was in 1950

Rhymes for DWI

See All Rhymes for DWI

Browse Nearby Words

dwg
DWI
Dwiggins
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“DWI.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DWI. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

DWI

abbreviation
driving while intoxicated
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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