thru

American  

[throo] / θru /

preposition

1. an informal, simplified spelling of through.

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thru British  

/ θruː /

preposition

1. (adverb, adjective) a variant spelling of through

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Usage

And is thru in the dictionary? Thru is not listed as a standard word in this dictionary, meaning that language users don’t view it as an accepted word and don’t use it regularly with a standard meaning. Instead, thru is an informal variant of through that is particularly common in the United States. An informal variant is a term used in informal situations but not recognized as acceptable by most language users. You wouldn’t use thru in formal or semiformal situations, but you might see it used in informal contexts or in the compound term drive-thru.Note: Just because a word isn’t considered a standard word in the dictionary doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “not a word.” Some people may use it, and if enough people start using it regularly, it may be added to the dictionary.

Example Sentences

“Trying to predict where rates will be in year 11 thru 20 is crystal ball watching,” Peter Boockvar, One Point BFG Wealth Partners tells Barron’s.

From Barron's

Her 15-year-old son held up signs outside, advertising “drive thru drinks.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Americans pulling into a Starbucks drive‑thru might think they are being served by a friendly staff member.

From BBC

Since Williams, 51, started his chart-topping career with his 1997 solo debut, "Life Thru a Lens", he has sold an estimated 20 million albums in the UK.

From Barron's

Williams' album Britpop, released last Friday, is the 16th number one of his solo career, which launched in 1997 with Life Thru A Lens.

From BBC