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
: 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
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Bobby Cannavale as Nicky Caccimelio Cannavale joins OMITB as a mobster whom Lester had a run-in prior to his death.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Ryan Kelly is the new center after a respected nine-year run in Indianapolis (four Pro Bowls).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
But what might motivate the impending path-crossing between Dani and Ridge is less clear, especially in light of Dani and Devon having their own flirty run-in at the tail end of James' time on Beyond the Gates.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Bobby Cannavale as Nicky Caccimelio Cannavale joins OMITB as a mobster whom Lester had a run-in prior to his death.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
The annual cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits is based on how inflation is running in the third quarter.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Ryan Kelly is the new center after a respected nine-year run in Indianapolis (four Pro Bowls).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
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 10 Sep. 2025.
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