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

There was a time, not that long ago, when the average suburban street was full of unannounced drop-ins, the smell of burning charcoal, and scattered lawn chairs. — John Mac Ghlionn, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026

The museum's Artmaking Studio will host drop-in activities throughout the evening, and select galleries will remain open for exploration. — Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026

There are only so many unannounced drop-ins by Oprah that a couple can take. — John Ficarra, Air Mail, 29 Aug. 2026

The kickoff event is a free, drop-in, gallery night featuring portraits, audio recordings, and interactive stations built around conversations with Sherman Park residents. — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 28 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