Definition

Noun: 1. A service establishment designed for customers who remain in their automobiles: A "drive-in" is a type of business, such as a restaurant, bank, or movie theater, where customers are served or can conduct business without leaving their cars. 2. The physical site itself: The term also refers to the location or facility, such as the parking area with speakers or service windows, that enables this type of service.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We ordered burgers and milkshakes at the drive-in.
  • The old drive-in movie theater is still popular on summer nights.
  • I need to deposit this check at the bank's drive-in lane.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively (as a modifier): The word "drive-in" is frequently used before another noun to describe the type of service or facility.
  • drive-in window, drive-in restaurant, drive-in teller, drive-in church service.

Variants and Related Words

• Drive-through (or drive-thru): A very similar concept, often used interchangeably with "drive-in" for services like restaurants or banks. Some make a distinction where "drive-through" implies a continuous lane for ordering and receiving without parking, while a "drive-in" may involve parking in a designated space to be served.
• Motel: A lodging establishment where rooms are accessible directly from the parking area, sharing the concept of automobile-oriented design.

Synonyms

• Car-hop service (specifically for restaurants where servers come to the car).
• Auto theater (specifically for movies).

Related Phrases

• Double feature: A common offering at drive-in movie theaters, where two films are shown for the price of one.
• Speaker post: The stand or pole at a drive-in movie parking space from which a removable speaker provides sound for the car's occupants.

Noun

1. any installation designed to accommodate patrons in their automobiles