1 B1 idiomatic informal
To make a short, often unannounced visit to someone or somewhere.
"Feel free to pop in for a cup of tea any time you're passing."
inseparable
pop in
B1 informal mixed transitive/intransitive
To make a brief, often unplanned visit to a person or place.
In plain English
To visit someone quickly without planning it much in advance.
What does "pop in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To place something quickly inside something else.
"Just pop the casserole in the oven at 180 degrees for forty minutes."
separable
3 B1 informal
To enter a place quickly for a short purpose.
"I just need to pop in to the bank — it'll only take a minute."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Pop' suggests a quick, light movement; 'in' indicates entering — together they convey a brief, effortless entry or visit.
Actually means
To visit someone quickly without planning it much in advance.
Usage tip
Very common in informal British English. Can be used without an object ('pop in for a minute') or with one ('pop something in the oven'). When used transitively with an object, it means to quickly place something inside something else.
Words that pair with "pop in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
visit quickly briefly anytime see someone oven
How to conjugate "pop in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pop in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pops in
he/she/it
Past simple
poped in
yesterday
Past participle
poped in
have + pp
-ing form
poping in
continuous
Hear "pop in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pop in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.