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)

Phrases

dig in one's heels

: to take or persist in an uncompromising position or attitude despite opposition

Examples of dig in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hoult took the dig in stride, commenting a series of twin emojis on Corenswet’s post. —Emlyn Travis Updated, EW.com, 10 July 2025

However, with Hendrickson, that feels unlikely given how dug in both sides have been in these discussions. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 8 July 2025

Getting back in touch with her hip-hop roots — and receiving raves — inspired her to dig in deeper and craft a mixtape, a form that allowed her and her collaborators — including longtime producer Ricky Reed—more space to play. —Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025

Council Democrats argued that was far from enough, demanding significantly more funding, with both sides digging in their heels. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, 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