carhop

[ kahr-hop ]

noun

1. a person who serves customers in their cars. at a drive-in restaurant.

verb (used without object)

, car·hopped, car·hop·ping.

1. to work as a carhop.

carhop

/ ˈkɑːˌhɒp /

noun

1. informal.
   a waiter or waitress at a drive-in restaurant

Word History and Origins

Origin of carhop¹

First recorded in 1935–40; car ¹ + (bell)hop

Example Sentences

His second wife, Lee Roberts, was more amenable to his racing, supporting him with money from her job as a carhop at a drive-in restaurant.

From Washington Post

She asked that Sonic make it easier for customers to tip their carhops.

From New York Times

Earlier this week, the fast food chain updated its mobile app to allow customers to leave tips for carhops at 1,000 Sonic locations, the company confirmed to Fox News over email.

From Fox News

Some eating places around the country have even revived carhop service, a dine-in-your-vehicle option that presumably contributes to restaurant and patron survival.

From Los Angeles Times

To that end, the burger joint is instead turning its restaurants into classic drive-ins for one night only, complete with carhops.

From Fox News

Related Words

• server
• waiter
• waitress