write-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrīt-ˌin 

1

: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate

2

: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2

verb

wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in

transitive verb

1

: to insert in a document or text

2

a

: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space

b

: to cast (a vote) in this manner

Examples of write-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the general election, Steen received 2,112 write-in votes — about 9%, compared to Vos' 73%. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Adamczyk, on the other hand, mounted a write-in bid for Chicago City Council in 2023 that drew minimal support. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Verb

The city intends to bring amendments for the entire charter to a referendum in November, the city’s Deputy City Manager Eric Power wrote in an email. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026

Trump wrote in a social media post on Monday. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for write-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• underpin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin

Kids Definition

write-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈrīt-ˌin

1

: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate

2

: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2 verb

: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space