drive-in

noun

ˈdrīv-ˌin 

: an establishment (such as a theater or restaurant) so laid out that patrons can be accommodated while remaining in their automobiles

drive-in adjective

Examples of drive-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While drive-in theaters were popular throughout the state, with upwards of 100 theaters at one point, the decline started coming around the 1970s as the number slowly fell to only 14 in 1982, according to previous reporting by The Oklahoman. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 6 Jan. 2026

Back on the trail for Hank, the Ghoul and Lucy come across a wrecked vault hidden behind a drive-in cinema. —Jack King, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025

Go to the Hi-Way drive-in movie theater. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 9 Dec. 2025

From sleeping in a makeshift bed en route to family vacations to hiding extra guests under blankets while sneaking into drive-in movies to the potential perils of prom night, that long wheelbase and ample storage cabin carried generations toward adulthood in stately safety. —John Lewinski, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drive-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• underpin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin

Kids Definition

drive-in

noun

ˈdrī-ˌvin

: a business (as a movie theater or restaurant) set up so that customers can be served or provided for while remaining in their automobiles

drive-in adjective