DUI

abbreviation or noun

ˌdē-(ˌ)yü-ˈī How to pronounce DUI (audio)
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.
Komoroski pleaded guilty in December 2024 to DUI causing death, two felony charges for a DUI causing great bodily injury and another charge for reckless homicide. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 The musician was placed on 12 months of summary probation, was required to pay fines and fees and complete a three-month DUI program, the Ventura County District Attorney confirmed. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 The family of the woman killed in a DUI boat crash on the Fox River is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the man charged with her death. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 There are also more recent players such as Charles Snowden and Rodric Teamer who were arrested on charges of DUI, significant enough that the Raiders quickly cut them. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for DUI

See All Rhymes for DUI

Browse Nearby Words

duhat
DUI
duiker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“DUI.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DUI. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

DUI

abbreviation
driving under the influence

More from Merriam-Webster on DUI

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about DUI

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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