drive-in

[ drahyv-in ]

noun

1. a place of business or public facility designed to accommodate patrons who sit in their automobiles, as a movie theater with an outdoor screen facing the parking area or a restaurant where servers bring food out to be eaten in the parked automobiles.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of such an establishment:

   Drive-in business far exceeded walk-in business.

drive-in

adjective

1. denoting a public facility or service designed to be used by patrons seated in their cars

   a drive-in bank

noun

1. a cinema designed to be used in such a manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of drive-in¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1925–30; noun, adjective use of verb phrase drive in

Example Sentences

In another, strangers sing together from their cars in a drive-in theater parking lot, flashing their headlights at the glowing screen — their distance and location a reminder of the pandemic era.

From Los Angeles Times

Most encourage you to bring a blanket or lawn chair and welcome snacks or picnics brought from home, while others offer on-site food or drive-in options.

From Seattle Times

While the list of cult classics and drive-in theater gems could fill a lengthy scroll, the following examples display the magic Corman touch.

From Los Angeles Times

As a producer, Corman mastered the economics of drive-in movies and B-pictures, turning out consistently profitable work that gave the audience what it wanted while allowing for a little creative flexibility.

From New York Times

As the son of a drive-in theater manager, actor Matthew Modine grew up watching movies.

From Salon

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