drive-in

noun

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The action doesn’t stop after dark Charlotte used to be home to multiple drive-in movie theaters, including the Queen Drive-In and Viking and numerous movie spots that have since disappeared. Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 Phillips Drive-In Laurel, Mississippi Home Town HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier are big fans of this Laurel, Mississippi drive-in that’s been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 In 1971, Mitchum had a cameo in Monte Hellman’s drive-in classic Two-Lane Blacktop starring James Taylor and Dennis Wilson, and that Mitchum was among the friends of Dennis Hopper (including Peter Fonda and Kris Kristoffrson) invited to Peru to film The Last Movie, a notorious flop. Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025 Not yet bested today, the most exquisite zombie movie ever created demanded to be seen by more audiences, and using late-night slots at drive-in theaters and rep cinemas as a cheap way to build out its reputation was brilliant. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drive-in

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drive-in was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Drive-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drive-in. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on drive-in

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