dig in

verb

dug in; digging in; digs in

transitive verb

1

: to cover or incorporate by burying

dig in compost

2

: to establish in a dug defensive position

the platoon was well dug in

intransitive verb

1

: to establish a defensive position especially by digging trenches

2

a

: to go resolutely to work

b

: to begin eating

3

: to hold stubbornly to a position

4

: to scuff the ground for better footing while batting (as in baseball)

see also dig in one's heels

Examples of dig in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Let’s dig in and examine the trade using multiple time frames for perspective. —Jay Woods, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025

Based on Kate Myers’ book Excavation, Dig is centered on four women — one of them played by Poehler — working at an archeological dig in Greece who are at wildly different crossroads in their lives. —Peter White, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025

New school burgers meet old school digs in Steve’s Burgers, Jersey’s youngest landmark fast food joint. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 2025

So gather round, dig in, and enjoy because dinner is getting a retro spin tonight. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dig in

• trigone

Kids Definition

dig in

verb

1

: to dig and take position in a trench

the soldiers dug in

2

a

: to go to work

b

: to begin eating