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

That’s because its tenant base includes convenience stores, express tunnel car washes, auto service centers, drive-through quick-service restaurants, gas stations, repair shops and more. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Companies have spent decades racing to shave seconds off the checkout line, the drive-through, the loading spinner. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 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