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.
Pikachu can't tear an ACL or get a DUI. Luke Fountain, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 He was charged with DUI, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident after hitting four cars during the incident (luckily with no injuries). Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025 King also has multiple traffic violations on record and an open DUI case, the outlet reported. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 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 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 21 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

DUI

abbreviation
driving under the influence

More from Merriam-Webster on DUI

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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