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

somewhat old-fashioned : 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 of run-in

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

Throughout his playing career, the former New York Mets star had numerous run-ins with the law, fueled by drug and alcohol problems, leading to three separate suspensions from MLB. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Foster recalls a run-in with Martin on the set. —Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Verb

At a moment of increasing niche-ification of the news media business, Axel Springer is running in the opposite direction. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025

Republicans in Washington are already buzzing about a likely Vance presidential run in 2028, even though the election is still three years away. —Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 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