1
British
: the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter
ran in; run in; running in; runs in
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
: to pay a casual visit
Synonyms
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
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2024
The carjacking investigation isn’t his first run-in with federal agents.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024
However, Haddish had a few more run-ins with the law and was arrested for a DUI in January 2022 and again in November 2023.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 3 May 2024
The cowboy, played by actor Madelyn Murphy, only had one health point left — the result of some unlucky dice rolls and a run-in with a group of dagger-wielding thieves in the first act.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 May 2024
In his run-ins with the law, that has meant using a public defender or representing himself.
—Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024
And Roger is trying to help Conrad (Jon Michael Hill), a Black man who has been arrested after a racially fraught run-in with law enforcement.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024
The unexpected run-in leads to a possible big career break for Jay, who worries the deal may just cost him his soul.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 1 May 2024
Christina Applegate was still recovering from her first run-in with COVID-19 when another virus recently had her health in the toilet again.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
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
Noun
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
The carjacking investigation isn’t his first run-in with federal agents.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024
However, Haddish had a few more run-ins with the law and was arrested for a DUI in January 2022 and again in November 2023.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 3 May 2024
The cowboy, played by actor Madelyn Murphy, only had one health point left — the result of some unlucky dice rolls and a run-in with a group of dagger-wielding thieves in the first act.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 May 2024
In his run-ins with the law, that has meant using a public defender or representing himself.
—Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024
And Roger is trying to help Conrad (Jon Michael Hill), a Black man who has been arrested after a racially fraught run-in with law enforcement.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024
The unexpected run-in leads to a possible big career break for Jay, who worries the deal may just cost him his soul.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 1 May 2024
Christina Applegate was still recovering from her first run-in with COVID-19 when another virus recently had her health in the toilet again.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 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.
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 18 May. 2024.
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