DUI

abbreviation or noun

plural DUIs
1
US : the act or crime of driving a vehicle while affected by alcohol or drugs
was arrested for DUI
a DUI case
2
US : an arrest or conviction for driving under the influence
… the reason he was in prison is that a few DUIs caught up with him …Barbara Ehrenreich
3
US : a person who is arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence
a convicted DUI

Examples of DUI 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.
In March 2024, Karen was arrested and charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 The arrests follow Osefo’s RHOP co-star, Karen Huger, making her return from prison after serving six months on charges related to a DUI and DWI following a car crash in Maryland. Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Huger served six months in prison for a March 2024 car crash and DUI. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025 Lopez-Labra was previously arrested for unlawful entry and more recently by Oregon State Police for DUI. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for DUI

Word History

Etymology

driving under the influence

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of DUI was in 1969

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“DUI.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DUI. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

DUI

abbreviation
driving under the influence

More from Merriam-Webster on DUI

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!