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
Jenelle Riley, Variety, 9 June 2025
Gavin Sheets will play his first game in left field since exiting Sunday’s game after a run-in with the wall.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
The Phillies’ offense exploded for six runs in the first inning this week at Rogers Centre, then mustered four runs over the subsequent 26 innings.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 2025
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
But Slater has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and run-ins with the law — all of which are over 20 years in the past — and has managed to emerge as one of our most beloved and dependable actors on stage and screen.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 9 June 2025
Gavin Sheets will play his first game in left field since exiting Sunday’s game after a run-in with the wall.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Verb
Grapevine’s offense started strong with four runs in the first two innings.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
The Phillies’ offense exploded for six runs in the first inning this week at Rogers Centre, then mustered four runs over the subsequent 26 innings.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 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 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share