run-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin 

1

British : the final part of a race or racetrack

2

: altercation, quarrel

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

somewhat old-fashioned : 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

Synonyms of run-in

Noun

• encounter

Verb

• visit
• run (over)
• stop (by or in)
• drop by
• come over
• step in
• drop in
• come by
• call

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

Noun

The Canadian actor has had previous run-ins with the law, including drunk driving charges in 2004 and 2007. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

The Canadian actor has had a number of run-ins with the law. —David Matthews, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026

Verb

Kim sustained the injury during a recent training run in Switzerland. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026

Senior operations analyst Ericka Lomick from Fort Worth is running in the Democratic primary. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for run-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel