run-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin 

1

British : the final part of a race or racetrack

2

: altercation, quarrel

3

: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run in

2 of 2

verb

ran in; run in; running in; runs in

transitive verb

1

a

: to insert as additional matter

b

: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break

2

: to arrest for a usually minor offense

3

chiefly British : to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation

intransitive verb

: to pay a casual visit

Synonyms

Noun

• encounter

Verb

• visit
• run (over)
• stop (by or in)
• drop by
• come over
• step in
• drop in
• come by
• call

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

Noun

Then there’s Marty’s not so coincidental coffee-shop run-in with Allen. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

And bikers should use a trail bell to prevent most unexpected run-ins. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

Verb

If not for a Ravens 71-yard run in garbage time, the Chiefs would have held the last three teams to under 300 yards, and two of those three were thought to be among the best offenses in the league. —Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025

This was the risk Stearns ran in counting on those two pitchers, specifically, to helm the rotation. —Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for run-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel