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
Synonyms
Examples of run-in in a Sentence
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
Dakin Andone, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
The arrest is not Kelley’s first run-in with the law.
—EW.com, 10 Apr. 2024
The quest leads to revelations about the underground network, run-ins with dubious characters from above and below and — most welcome of all — tussles with mutant roaches and an underwater beast.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
A number of prominent figures on different sides of the case have had run-ins with law enforcement, either as witnesses, suspects or victims.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 9 Apr. 2024
The deadly incident in Zambia occurred just 10 days after another safari truck had a run-in with an elephant in South Africa.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
Steve Martin recalls a funny run-in with the King in his new documentary.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024
Two days later, two women on vacation from Arizona had their own run-in with Maurad-Avecilla, according to police.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024
Richard Simmons is looking back at some of his favorite (literal) Hollywood run-ins.
—EW.com, 26 Mar. 2024
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
One eight-person cohort is based in New York and run in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology, while the other seven-person cohort is based in Rhode Island and works with the Rhode Island School of Design.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and William Byron run in the top five.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2024
This column originally ran in the Washington Free Beacon.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024
This article ran in the Free Press on June 10, 1953.
—Jerome Hansen, Jack Schermerhorn, Ralph Nelson and Ken McCormick, Detroit Free Press, 6 Apr. 2024
Granada scored eight runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to turn a 2-1 lead into a rout.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024
Trailing by two runs in the eighth inning with the bases loaded, Ruth smashed a three-run homer over the center-field fence — his second blast of the game to match Gehrig’s two blasts.
—Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 4 Apr. 2024
The ceiling for the Marlins is playoffs, maybe making a run in the playoffs, hopefully.
—Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 27 Mar. 2024
Noun
But the young Simpson also had several run-ins with the law.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
The arrest is not Kelley’s first run-in with the law.
—EW.com, 10 Apr. 2024
The quest leads to revelations about the underground network, run-ins with dubious characters from above and below and — most welcome of all — tussles with mutant roaches and an underwater beast.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
A number of prominent figures on different sides of the case have had run-ins with law enforcement, either as witnesses, suspects or victims.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 9 Apr. 2024
The deadly incident in Zambia occurred just 10 days after another safari truck had a run-in with an elephant in South Africa.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
Steve Martin recalls a funny run-in with the King in his new documentary.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024
Two days later, two women on vacation from Arizona had their own run-in with Maurad-Avecilla, according to police.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024
Richard Simmons is looking back at some of his favorite (literal) Hollywood run-ins.
—EW.com, 26 Mar. 2024
Verb
Of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, 69 are running in November races that are rated as toss-ups, competitive or potentially vulnerable by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which has tracked House and Senate races for decades.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
One eight-person cohort is based in New York and run in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology, while the other seven-person cohort is based in Rhode Island and works with the Rhode Island School of Design.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and William Byron run in the top five.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2024
This column originally ran in the Washington Free Beacon.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024
This article ran in the Free Press on June 10, 1953.
—Jerome Hansen, Jack Schermerhorn, Ralph Nelson and Ken McCormick, Detroit Free Press, 6 Apr. 2024
Granada scored eight runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to turn a 2-1 lead into a rout.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024
Trailing by two runs in the eighth inning with the bases loaded, Ruth smashed a three-run homer over the center-field fence — his second blast of the game to match Gehrig’s two blasts.
—Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 4 Apr. 2024
The ceiling for the Marlins is playoffs, maybe making a run in the playoffs, hopefully.
—Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'run-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
run-in
nounˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel
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