DUI

abbreviation or noun

plural DUIs
1
US : the act or crime of driving a vehicle while affected by alcohol or drugs
was arrested for DUI
a DUI case
2
US : an arrest or conviction for driving under the influence
… the reason he was in prison is that a few DUIs caught up with him …Barbara Ehrenreich
3
US : a person who is arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence
a convicted DUI

Examples of DUI 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.
The total amount of damage was approximately $22,000. July 2 DUI, injury collision, suspended license: At 10:33 p.m., deputies responded to a vehicle collision at Saratoga Avenue and Shadow Oaks Way. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 11 July 2025 Valenti has been on the force since 1996, advancing through the ranks as a DUI enforcement officer, detective, narcotics officer, and patrol officer, according to a news release from the city. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025 The Ravens don’t have an abundance of depth if a key starter goes down, and that issue will be compounded by a potential suspension for Cleveland (offseason DUI charges). Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 July 2025 The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a DUI Checkpoint 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, June 27, according to the release. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for DUI

Word History

Etymology

driving under the influence

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of DUI was in 1969

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“DUI.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DUI. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

DUI

abbreviation
driving under the influence

More from Merriam-Webster on DUI

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!