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
somewhat old-fashioned
: 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
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
Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
The reality star also has a history of prior run-ins with the law.
—Joseph Wilkinson, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
In her memo to city commissioners, Higgins praised Reyes as a skilled administrator able to change how things are run in government.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
This latest run-in with the law marked the Hammer of the Gods star’s sixth arrest in five years amid the pair’s history of legal issues.
—Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
The reality star also has a history of prior run-ins with the law.
—Joseph Wilkinson, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
According to his baby brother's Instagram, Jack also ran in the 2019 London Marathon.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
In her memo to city commissioners, Higgins praised Reyes as a skilled administrator able to change how things are run in government.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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