run-in

1 of 2

noun

1
British : the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run in

2 of 2

verb

ran in; run in; running in; runs in

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: 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
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
Sheets lost his glove over the wall going back on a ball last month and came away with another run-in with the wall earlier this month nursing various ailments to his head, hip, wrist and thumb. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 Meanwhile, Chisholm’s run-ins with Baltimore backstops had the Yankees raving. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
Verb
Like Cuomo, the speaker is running in Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 The City Commission vote ran in contrast with the overwhelming opinion of the dozens of members of the public who came to speak at City Hall on Tuesday. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for run-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-in was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

run-in

noun
ˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel

More from Merriam-Webster on run-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!