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

So dig in and enjoy, and make sure to play our daily Connections: Sports Edition, too. —Bob Harkins, New York Times, 22 May 2025

In 2016, Etzel dug in and planted, and, alongside his wife, Erica, Rodeo Hills was born. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

After recording two outs, Terry dug in for a seven-pitch battle with Angie Yellen — and won, inducing a routine groundout to end the inning and preserve the Bruins’ lead. —Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025

Expert users can dig in to configure exploit prevention technologies, including CFG, DEP, and ASLR. —PC Magazine, 14 May 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