What does "stop by" mean (sense 1)?

To make a brief, casual visit to a place or person, often on the way somewhere else. Example: "Feel free to stop by my office if you have any questions."

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stop by

A2 informal inseparable intransitive

To make a brief, informal visit to a place or person.

In plain English

To visit somewhere for a short time, often without planning it much in advance.

What does "stop by" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 A2 informal

very common

To make a brief, casual visit to a place or person, often on the way somewhere else.

"Feel free to stop by my office if you have any questions."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To stop as you pass by a location.

Actually means

To visit somewhere for a short time, often without planning it much in advance.

Usage tip

Very common in everyday American English. Often implies a short, casual visit. Can be used with or without a destination: 'Stop by later' or 'Stop by the office.' Very similar to 'drop by' and 'pop in.'

Words that pair with "stop by"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

office house store later sometime anytime

How to conjugate "stop by"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

stop by

I/you/we/they

3rd person

stops by

he/she/it

Past simple

stoped by

yesterday

Past participle

stoped by

have + pp

-ing form

stoping by

continuous

Hear "stop by" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "stop by" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.