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

The 2009 incident was not Patty’s first run-in with law enforcement involving his ex-wife. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

In another prior run-in with authorities, in October 2022, Elijah Bieniemy pleaded guilty to driving 103 mph in a 75-mph speed limit zone and paid a $177 fine. — Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Verb

The Mets scratched out an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth. — Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

Dozens of candidates running in the August primary, ranging from local judgeships to federal office, met with voters at a forum Friday inside John Knox Village. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

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
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel