Synonyms

drop-in

American

[drop-in] / ˈdrɒpˌɪn /

noun

Informal. Also a person who or thing that pays an unexpected or uninvited visit.

a feeder for squirrels, raccoons, and other drop-ins.
Informal. a social gathering at which the guests are not expected to stay long.

Be sure to stop by our house for a glass of eggnog at our Christmas drop-in.

adjective

provided for short-term patronage.

a drop-in shelter for people who are moving through homelessness.
requiring only insertion to be ready for use.

a drop-in battery pack.

drop in British

verb

surfing to intrude on a wave that another surfer is already riding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of drop-in

First recorded in 1810–20; noun and adjective use of verb phrase drop in

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A victim support drop-in clinic will be held on 5 December.

From BBC

Talk Money Week will offer free drop-in sessions at Princes Quay shopping centre.

From BBC

A leading doctor has questioned how the Scottish government plans to staff 15 new drop-in services run by GPs and nurses.

From BBC

Dr Williams said the Scottish government's plan to introduce drop-in services may be "central belt based" and designed to "take advantage of a perceived workforce that is under-employed".

From BBC

That provides a drop-in centre, located inside Cardiff's Principality Stadium, which can provide mental health support to the local community.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023