drop-in

[ drop-in ]

noun

1. Also Informal. 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

Thursday mornings are busy at the housing drop-in service at Newport Central Library.

From BBC

Election day child care options can be found through Politisit, a national nonprofit that has been providing free child care to voters since 2020, with drop-in sites across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

No “rizz” is to be found, no cap, and while what surfers might say in the water to each other may be “sus,” you’re more likely to hear “gnarly” intertwined with “drop-in” or “barrel.”

From Los Angeles Times

The NHS has already contacted more than 11 million people, but those who qualify for the jab can also book their own appointments via the NHS App, external, GPs, pharmacies, drop-in clinics, external or by calling 119, external.

From BBC

In a statement following Harris's event, the Trump campaign characterised the visit as a "drop-in" and "photo op".

From BBC

Related Words

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