drive-through I. adjective alsodrive-thru\ˈ ̷ ̷ ˌ ̷ ̷ \ Etymology: from the phrase drive through 1.: drive-up herein 2.: designed for viewing by persons riding in a motor vehicle < a drive-through zoo > II. noun alsodrive-thru (-s) : a drive-through establishment (as a restaurant or bank) ; also : the drive-through window at such an establishment