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

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

There are literally hundreds more movie retro theaters and drive-ins to be admired in her book. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026

These type of chili buns were likely popularized in Kentucky pool halls serving the working class and, by the 1960s, were adopted by ice cream shops and drive-ins, according to the Southern Foodways Alliance. — Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 July 2026

These chili buns were likely popularized in Kentucky pool halls serving the working class and, by the 1960s, were adopted by ice cream shops and drive-ins, according to the Southern Foodways Alliance. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 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