run-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin 

1

British : the final part of a race or racetrack

2

: altercation, quarrel

3

: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run in

2 of 2

verb

ran in; run in; running in; runs in

transitive verb

1

a

: to insert as additional matter

b

: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break

2

: to arrest for a usually minor offense

3

chiefly British : to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation

intransitive verb

: to pay a casual visit

Synonyms

Noun

• brush
• encounter
• hassle
• scrape
• skirmish

Verb

• call
• come by
• come over
• drop by
• drop in
• pop (in)
• run (over)
• step in
• stop (by or in)
• visit

Examples of run-in in a Sentence

Noun

the rival gangs had a bit of a run-in last night

Verb

I just thought I'd run in and pick up my package.

if we catch you shoplifting again, we're going to run you in

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Three times in two days, on May 30 and 31, the police questioned Angelo Baez, at 47 a thick, graying Jungle elder with a prison record and a history of run-ins with law enforcement. —Photographs Todd Heisler, New York Times, 19 May 2024

This isn't the Aces first run-in with the league over the last few years. —CBS News, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel