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

Panther City has a long history with Buffett, from a rare 2014 drive-in concert to the tribute tour at Dickies Arena. — Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026

Inspire’s instinct toward efficiency and standardization was intended to capture operational savings by reducing drive-in stalls, cutting carhop labor, and shifting volume to the higher-margin drive-thru windows. — Clifford Hudson, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Open during the golden age of outdoor theaters, the McHenry is the only remaining drive-in in the suburbs. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Chinese models now routinely ship with in-car karaoke systems, mechanical foot massagers, rotating lounge seats or even headlights that can project movies onto a wall, turning any parking spot into a drive-in cinema. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drive-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

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