walk-in

American  

[wawk-in] / ˈwɔkˌɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to persons who walk into a place from the street, especially irregularly or without an appointment.

   walk-in customers; walk-in sales; a walk-in patient.

2. large enough to be walked into.

   a walk-in kitchen.

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noun

1. a person, as a customer, patient, or interviewee, who arrives without an appointment.

   Many of the clinic's patients are walk-ins who suddenly need help.

2. something large enough to be walked into, as a closet.

3. an assured victory in an election or other contest.

walk-in British  

adjective

1. (of a cupboard) large enough to allow a person to enter and move about in

2. (of a building or apartment) located so as to admit of direct access from the street

3. (of a flat or house) in a suitable condition for immediate occupation

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Etymology

Origin of walk-in

First recorded in 1925–30; adj., noun use of verb phrase walk in

Example Sentences

The SNP announced last year it would open 16 GP walk-in clinics, with the first centre opening in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, earlier this year.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The master bedroom features enough space for a king-sized bed, large windows, and a walk-in closet.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The property also offers an enormous walk-in closet, as well as a “spa-like” bathroom that features a spacious bathtub and a steam shower.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

The primary bedroom also comes with a fireplace, as well as an expansive walk-in closet and a spa bathroom, perfect for relaxation after a long day of duking it out on air.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

There were two doors in here, which made me think he had his own bathroom, and a maybe a walk-in closet.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

Related Words

• applicant
• buyer
• consumer
• patient
• patron
• shopper