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
somewhat old-fashioned
: 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
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Local media coverage of the case has, so far, mainly focused on Jalloh’s even earlier release from federal custody, an interaction that occurred more than four years before the 2023 run-in.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
But after a disastrous run in ticket sales with the San Francisco Giants, Hewitt returned to Wabash as an assistant coach.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
According to an account on Jorginho's Instagram story on Saturday, March 21, his 11-year-old daughter was reduced to tears after an unpleasant run-in with Roan's security guard.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Local media coverage of the case has, so far, mainly focused on Jalloh’s even earlier release from federal custody, an interaction that occurred more than four years before the 2023 run-in.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
The duel didn’t disappoint, as Langford and the Eagles broke a 2-2 deadlock, punching across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to emerge with a 4-2 triumph over the Falcons.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
But after a disastrous run in ticket sales with the San Francisco Giants, Hewitt returned to Wabash as an assistant coach.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
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 28 Mar. 2026.
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