drive-through

1 of 2

adjective

ˈdrīv-ˌthrü 

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

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

California’s first drive-through was an In-N-Out in Baldwin Park in 1948, and by the 1960s, the new approach to dining had begun to reshape the American landscape. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Groceries, restaurant meals, delivery orders and drive-through runs all throw off a timestamped record of what changed hands and where, sitting on a server that belongs to somebody. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1918, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drive-through

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

drive-through

adjective

ˈdrīv-ˌthrü

: drive-up