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drive at

phrase

: to intend to express, convey, or accomplish
couldn't understand what she was driving at

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drive at was circa 1715

Rhymes for drive at

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Browse Nearby Words

drive a hard bargain
drive at
drive away
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drive at.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drive%20at. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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