drive-through

1 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly drive-thru

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
Add that to comfort-food classics, and opting for convenience in the drive-through isn’t always a difficult choice. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 17 June 2026 There would also be a drive-through queue capable of accommodating 18 vehicles. Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
UVeye was founded in 2016 by Israeli brothers Amir and Ohad Hever, using its drive-through inspection technology at international borders to check vehicles for contraband, but soon expanded to more commercial uses. Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 After McDonald’s announced plans to open a restaurant in Mattituck, the town passed an ordinance banning drive-throughs; when CVS arrived, the locals capped the size of big-box stores. Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drive-through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drive-through. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

drive-through

adjective
ˈdrīv-ˌthrü
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