1
British
: the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter
ran in; run in; running in; runs in
1
a
: to insert as additional matter
b
: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2
somewhat old-fashioned
: to arrest for a usually minor offense
3
chiefly British
: to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation
: to pay a casual visit
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
Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
This is not his first run-in with the law.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Hammer will now run in the November race to be the top state official responsible for running smooth and fair elections.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Similarly, the warmer temperatures have compelled outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, increasing the odds of a run-in with the serpents.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
This is not his first run-in with the law.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Indians erased an early 3-0 deficit with 3 runs in the second and 4 in the fourth.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Hammer will now run in the November race to be the top state official responsible for running smooth and fair elections.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
