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 While some conservatives were digging in against the plan, the prospect of a shutdown was alarming other Republicans, including those from swing districts carried by Biden in 2020, who could feel the political backlash from a government closure. Carl Hulse, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023 The nation’s largest auto union is digging in its heels in the final hours of its contract negotiations with the Big Three automakers, raising the specter of a historic strike that threatens to upend United States manufacturing and cause billions of dollars in economic losses. Breanne Deppisch, Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2023 Thanks to their high-rise design, these briefs offer a flattering fit, and their waistband also never digs in. Courtney Leiva, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023 There is no need to till or dig in your organic matter, and in my experience, no dig systems lead to a much healthier soil ecosystem over time. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 7 Sep. 2023 Locked in a defensive battle with a feisty Crofton team, the Dundalk Owls dug in. Aidan Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2023 Price at time of publish: $10 Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream 4.4 View On Amazon View On Target View On Dermstore After digging in the garden all day, a little TLC may be needed. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2023 It was found by an employee after an exhaustive search and hours of the couple and staff members digging in the snow. Jenny Block, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2023 Rather than digging in his heels, Brave should take this opportunity to prepare for trial, Maglaras said. Steven Porter, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dig in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dig in was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near dig in

Cite this Entry

“Dig in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dig%20in. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dig in

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