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)

see also:

dig in one's heels

Examples of dig in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of collapsing, the regime has dug in its heels and taken an even harder line. — Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

As Tehran digs in its heels on fighting Washington, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and even the UAE will need to speak more with Iranian officials to get themselves out of the crossfire. — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026

The View From Canada Across the border, Canadians are digging in for long-term pain at the hands of their onetime ally. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Emerson Lalashuis had 9 kills, 12 digs and 3 ace serves, and Kohen Kazmierczak had 34 assists and 13 digs in the victory. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, 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