drive-in theater

Meaning

A 'drive-in theater' is an outdoor movie theater where viewers park their cars and watch films on a large outdoor screen from the comfort of their vehicles. Audio is usually broadcasted through an AM/FM radio frequency or local speakers.

Examples

• Going to a drive-in theater is a nostalgic summer tradition for many families.

  Going to a drive-in theater is a nostalgic summer tradition for many families.

• We packed some blankets and snacks before heading to the drive-in theater.

  We packed some blankets and snacks before heading to the drive-in theater.

• The sound at the drive-in theater is broadcast directly through your car radio.

  The sound at the drive-in theater is broadcast directly through your car radio.

• Unfortunately, there aren't many drive-in theaters left in the country.

  Unfortunately, there aren't many drive-in theaters left in the country.

• It started to rain, which made it hard to see the screen at the drive-in theater.

  It started to rain, which made it hard to see the screen at the drive-in theater.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We went to a driving theater.

  ✓ We went to a drive-in theater.

  The correct term is 'drive-in', indicating you drive in and park. 'Driving theater' is not a real English phrase.

• ✗ Let's watch a movie at the drive-in cinema.

  ✓ Let's watch a movie at the drive-in theater.

  While 'cinema' is understood, 'drive-in theater' (US) or 'drive-in' is the standard idiomatic term.

Related Expressions

Practice

• During the summer, we love watching movies from our car at the local ___.

  💡 An outdoor cinema where you park your car.

  Show answer

  drive-in theater

• A ___ requires a very large outdoor screen and a lot of parking space.

  💡 Singular noun phrase.

  Show answer

  drive-in theater