drop-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈdräp-ˌin 

1

: a casual visit or brief stop

2

: one who drops in : a casual visitor

drop in

2 of 2

verb

dropped in; dropping in; drops in

intransitive verb

: to pay an unexpected or casual visit

—often used with on

Synonyms of drop-in

Noun

• visitor
• guest

Verb

• visit
• drop by
• run (over)
• stop (by or in)
• run in

Examples of drop-in in a Sentence

Noun

we're having open house for New Year's, and drop-ins are welcome to come and go as they please

Verb

drop in any time—we're always home

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Three of the completions were on the second level of the defense, including his best throw of the day, a drop-in-the-bucket over Austin’s shoulder on the left sideline. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

The band performs to heal others through the arts, having met at an open-mic event at the National Alliance on Mental Illness drop-in center in Oak Park. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Hashbrown Casserole Every Southern host needs a go-to casserole for whipping up in a pinch for drop-in guests or bringing to a last-minute potluck. — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026

For the first time ever, Michaels is offering drop-in classes that are completely free to attend. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drop-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin