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

Be sure to sample treats from one or more of the area’s classic drive-ins and diners, including Donut Drive-In, open since 1953; Carl’s Drive-In, serving burgers and root beer since 1959; and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, which opened its flagship Route 66 location on Chippewa Street in 1941. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 12 Apr. 2026

Sarandon appeared as an older version of Carpenter, parked at a drive-in theater, where the artist’s Girl Meets World co-star Fogelmanis played a carhop. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026

The actress starred as an older Sabrina Carpenter in a drive-in movie skit with 'Girl Meets World' actor Corey Fogelmanis. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026

And Route 66 has plenty to recommend it for an Easter drive through Central and Southern Illinois, including the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac and the Cozy Dog drive-in in Springfield. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

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