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
Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
Coinbase has had a previous run-in with the U.K.’s Advertising Standards Agency, however, with a 2021 ad deemed to be misleading for consumers and for failing to adequately highlight the risks associated with such investments.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025
C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
The duo were the only drivers to make a run in under 3.9 seconds.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
Las Vegas police also released records Tuesday related to two other run-ins with the law.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
Coinbase has had a previous run-in with the U.K.’s Advertising Standards Agency, however, with a 2021 ad deemed to be misleading for consumers and for failing to adequately highlight the risks associated with such investments.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
Both teams plated runs in the 10th before Monasterio’s moment in the 11th.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
The duo were the only drivers to make a run in under 3.9 seconds.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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