drop-in

[drop-in]

noun

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

   a feeder for squirrels, raccoons, and other drop-ins.

2. 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

1. provided for short-term patronage.

   a drop-in shelter for people who are moving through homelessness.

2. requiring only insertion to be ready for use.

   a drop-in battery pack.

drop in

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of drop-in¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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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".

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

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Right now, Stringer is ramping up on wholesale deals and looking to test out a drop-in style model at Backhouse.

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In a June report, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, a joint city-county agency, highlighted nearly $92.7 million in budget cuts this fiscal year that included reductions for rental subsidies and drop-in centers that help homeless people access services.

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Related Words

• come by 
• come over 
• pop in 
• turn up