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
On the ground, other officers were manning tables and walking the drive-through accepting donations from customers. Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 The third Destination boasts arguably the cruelest kill (the tanning beds), the funniest (the weight machine), and one terrific moment at a fast-food drive-through that plays devilishly with distance and anticipation. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025
Noun
The Easter ham dinner can also be ordered at the drive-through window from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $25, cash only, with no pre-order necessary. Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2023 McDonald’s is, in essence, sponsoring the ultimate drive-through, as 200-mph race cars weave through downtown Chicago. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2023 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 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

drive-through

adjective
ˈdrīv-ˌthrü
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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