drive-in

noun

: 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 Previously:Suds drive-in returning for business in Greenwood When is Suds Drive In restaurant of Greenwood opening? John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 The decor is an amusingly mixed homage to local landmarks such as the Pleasant Hill Motor Movies drive-in theater, which stood on this site before demolition in the 1970s. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Nite Owl Drive In, Milwaukee: A traditional drive-in that's open from late March into November, Nite Owl has been in business at 830 E. Layton Ave. Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 29 Feb. 2024 The 275 parking spaces help make up what is one of the last drive-in theaters left in Michigan. Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024 Join host Guy Fieri on a trip through some of America’s finest roadside diners, vintage drive-ins and hidden gems that have been featured on the Food Network series. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 This event features over 30 chefs from all over the country who have been featured on the hit Food Network show over the years — from roadside diners to vintage drive-ins, and hidden gems. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Plus, the drive-in basement is large enough to accommodate up to 25 additional cars. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2024 For 55 years, the band has rocked on, even performing during the pandemic for online streaming shows and at a drive-in concert in Toluca. Kamren Curiel, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drive-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drive-in was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near drive-in

Cite this Entry

“Drive-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drive-in. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on drive-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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