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
Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Prince Harry will return to his hometown of London next week, but his chances of an awkward run-in with estranged family members Kate Middleton, Prince William, and King Charles III are slim.
—Roberta Mercuri, Vanity Fair, 18 Jan. 2026
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Chicago led by 21 points at the half after matching a season high with 45 points in the second quarter and broke the game back open after Los Angeles made a run in the third.
—CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
The actor also had run-ins with the law, including an arrest in May 2023 after turning his car off in the middle of a three-lane road.
—Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Prince Harry will return to his hometown of London next week, but his chances of an awkward run-in with estranged family members Kate Middleton, Prince William, and King Charles III are slim.
—Roberta Mercuri, Vanity Fair, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
Denver more than doubled its lead with an 8-0 run in a spectacular last 35 seconds of the half, started by a highlight alley-oop from Murray to Aaron Gordon, who snuck behind the defense along the baseline.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Chicago led by 21 points at the half after matching a season high with 45 points in the second quarter and broke the game back open after Los Angeles made a run in the third.
—CBS News, 21 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 23 Jan. 2026.
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