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

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

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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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Related Words

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