# drop around

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drop-around
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to visit someone's home for a short time, usually without making a formal plan first.

For teachers: to pay an informal, often spontaneous visit to a person's residence; typically used as an intransitive verb or with a prepositional phrase.

## Examples

- I might drop around later to see how you are.
- If you are free this evening, why don't you drop around for a quick cup of coffee?
- While we were busy unpacking the last of the boxes, our new neighbors decided to drop around and introduce themselves with a plate of cookies.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will drop around the office tomorrow." but "I will drop by the office tomorrow." — 'drop around' usually implies a social visit to a home, whereas 'drop by' is better for professional or quick stops.

## Usage notes

- highly informal and implies a brief, casual visit rather than a long stay.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'drop off' (to leave something) or 'drop by' (a near-synonym); 'around' often suggests a more relaxed or local context than 'by'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.