1 A2 informal
To make a short, casual visit to a person or place, often without much prior planning.
"Feel free to drop by whenever you're in the neighbourhood — we're usually home on Sundays."
inseparable
drop by
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To make a short, informal, and usually unplanned visit to someone at their home or workplace.
In plain English
Visit someone quickly and without much planning.
What does "drop by" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
One of the most common ways to describe a casual, short visit. Can be used with a location: 'drop by the office'. Very common in American English; also used in British English though 'drop in' or 'pop round' may be preferred.
Words that pair with "drop by"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
office house later sometime anytime tomorrow
How to conjugate "drop by"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drop by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drops by
he/she/it
Past simple
droped by
yesterday
Past participle
droped by
have + pp
-ing form
droping by
continuous
Hear "drop by" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "drop by" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "drop by"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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