drive-in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, widely used
Quick answer
What does “drive-in” mean?
A place or facility designed for customers to remain in their vehicles while being served.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place or facility designed for customers to remain in their vehicles while being served.
Primarily refers to a cinema where films are watched from cars, or a service outlet (restaurant, bank, pharmacy) where transactions occur without leaving the vehicle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept originated in and is most common in the US. In the UK, drive-ins are rare; the term is understood but used infrequently.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes classic Americana, nostalgia, and convenience. In the UK, it is often seen as an American cultural import.
Frequency
High frequency in US English; low frequency in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “drive-in” in a Sentence
Let's go to the drive-in.We saw a film at the drive-in.She works at a drive-in.They have a drive-in facility.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “drive-in” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We found a rare drive-in cinema in the countryside.
- The hotel offers a drive-in check-in service.
American English
- Let's go to a drive-in movie tonight.
- The bank has a convenient drive-in ATM.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a service model, e.g., 'The bank added a drive-in teller lane.'
Academic
Used in cultural or historical studies, e.g., 'The post-war boom popularised the drive-in cinema.'
Everyday
Used to plan leisure or errands, e.g., 'Let's get burgers from the drive-in.'
Technical
In logistics or architecture, can refer to a facility designed for vehicle access.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “drive-in”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “drive-in”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “drive-in”
- Using 'drive-in' as a verb (e.g., 'We will drive-in there' – incorrect; use 'drive to the drive-in').
- Confusing 'drive-in' (where you park) with 'drive-through' (where you drive past a window).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'drive-in' typically involves parking your car and being served there (e.g., watching a movie). A 'drive-through' involves driving up to a window, receiving service, and driving away without parking.
No, it is not standard to use 'drive-in' as a verb. It is a noun or an adjective. Say 'drive to the drive-in' instead.
They are very rare. The concept is strongly associated with American culture and space availability.
The plural is 'drive-ins' (e.g., 'There were three drive-ins in our town in the 1960s').
A place or facility designed for customers to remain in their vehicles while being served.
Drive-in is usually informal, widely used in register.
Drive-in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdraɪv ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdraɪv ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You DRIVE your car INto the service area.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS A VEHICLE; CONVENIENCE IS PROXIMITY WITHOUT EXITING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the key characteristic of a 'drive-in'?