drop-in

American  

[drop-in] / ˈdrɒpˌɪn /

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.

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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 British  

verb

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

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Etymology

Origin of drop-in

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

Example Sentences

"We don't have to be referred to. Anybody can call, drop into our drop-in centres and we'll help them," Ms Arthur said.

From BBC

General manager Vinni Jones said the charity aimed to put a smile on people's faces from its drop-in base at Lewis Street in St Helier.

From BBC

Ms Gower spoke to the BBC after a seven-week consultation period, during which about 1,000 residents attended drop-in sessions to share their views.

From BBC

The result is a drop-in replacement for metallurgical coal.

From The Wall Street Journal

The author’s first drop-in—he prefers the term “co-presence”—is a wren, who is given the run of the place and his own chapter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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