run-in

1 of 2

noun

1
British : the final part of a race or racetrack
2
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

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 But paranoia about the Black Panthers’ activities reached an all-time high on July 30, 1974, when Newton was arrested after a run-in with two police officers at a bar in Oakland. Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 17 May 2024 However, that fortune has taken a sharp haircut after a run-in with U.K. authorities last year. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 16 May 2024 Speaking with Los Angeles outlet ABC7, Yee and one of his kids recalled their run-in with the watermelon thief. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024 But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 10 May 2024 Regardless of his run-ins and remarks on- and offscreen, for viewers, Rubin managed to maintain an unflappable onscreen image of a television journalist who appreciated his access and enjoyed his job. Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024 Volatile weather and run-ins with wildlife and plants, such as rattlesnakes, mountain lions and poison oak, are just some of the elements that can derail a trip. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2024
Verb
Beckles is running in a very liberal district against fellow Democrat and Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín. Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024 The Lions dug themselves into an early hole with St. Joseph scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning, and could not recover. Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024 Stone himself has allowed just four runs in 26 innings over his past four starts. Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 15 May 2024 As usual, the market will have more than two dozen vendors and various activities throughout the season, which is set to run in the parking lot of Pilgrim Church on Saturdays – rain or shine – through Oct. 26. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2024 Season one aired in summer 2022, followed by the sophomore run in summer 2023. Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 May 2024 This year, others include U.S. House candidate Chuck Hand, who is running in a Georgia GOP primary. Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024 Since the Padres tagged Yamamoto for five runs in his first MLB start, the four runs allowed to the Giants matched his most in eight starts. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 13 May 2024 Advertisement One serious playoff run in all those years, with the riches that have been pumped into the franchise more recently borders on unimaginable. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'run-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-in was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near run-in

Cite this Entry

“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 23 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

run-in

noun
ˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel

More from Merriam-Webster on run-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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