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
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
After Hurwitz’s early release from prison in 2008, Redden told KPTV that Hurwitz continued to have run-ins with law enforcement, including a 2019 drug trafficking case in California.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Multiple Republicans are running in the GOP primary.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
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
The 37-year-old victim had a run-in with ICE agents that turned violent a week before he was gunned down by Customs and Border Patrol officers on a city street Saturday, according to CNN.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
After Hurwitz’s early release from prison in 2008, Redden told KPTV that Hurwitz continued to have run-ins with law enforcement, including a 2019 drug trafficking case in California.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
After The Odd Couple — also created by Garry Marshall — ended its run in 1975, the apartment set from that series was modified to become Laverne and Shirley’s Milwaukee residence.
—Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Multiple Republicans are running in the GOP primary.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 27 Jan. 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 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
