drop-in

[ drop-in ]
/ ˈdrɒpˌɪn /

noun

Informal. Also dropper-in. a person who or thing that pays an unexpected or uninvited visit: a feeder for squirrels, raccoons, and other drop-ins.
Informal. a social gathering at which the guests are not expected to stay long: Be sure to stop by our house for a glass of eggnog at our Christmas drop-in.

adjective

provided for short-term patronage: a drop-in shelter for the homeless.
requiring only insertion to be ready for use: a drop-in film cartridge.

Origin of drop-in

First recorded in 1810–20; noun, adj. use of verb phrase drop in

Definition for drop-in (2 of 2)

Origin of drop

before 1000; (noun) Middle English drop(e) drop of liquid, Old English dropa; (v.) Middle English droppen, Old English droppian; akin to drip, droop

OTHER WORDS FROM drop

drop·like, adjective un·dropped, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for drop-in

British Dictionary definitions for drop-in

drop
/ (drɒp) /

noun

verb drops, dropping or dropped

noun, verb

rugby short for drop kick or drop-kick

Word Origin for drop

Old English dropian; related to Old High German triofan to drip

Medical definitions for drop-in

drop
[ drŏp ]

n.

The smallest quantity of liquid heavy enough to fall in a spherical mass.
A volume of liquid equal to 176 of a teaspoon and regarded as a unit of dosage for medication.
A small globular piece of candy, usually readily dissolved in the mouth.

v.

To fall, be dispensed, or poured in drops.

Idioms and Phrases with drop-in

drop