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
Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Yet Europe remains a key goal for Moyes and his side and one of the many reasons why Everton’s run-in carries particular intrigue for them and sides either end of the table.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Doomsday, while Imax locked up Dune 3 for an exclusive three week run in a major holiday showdown.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
Public records reviewed by The Sacramento Bee show Mattson, who previously lived miles from the Arden Park Vista neighborhood, had several run-ins with the law in Southern California, including a 1990 case in which he was accused of burglary.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Yet Europe remains a key goal for Moyes and his side and one of the many reasons why Everton’s run-in carries particular intrigue for them and sides either end of the table.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Verb
Chaminade scored five runs in the seventh to tie the score 9-9.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Doomsday, while Imax locked up Dune 3 for an exclusive three week run in a major holiday showdown.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 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 7 May. 2026.
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