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

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
After several run-ins with the law, he was convicted in 1992 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Jake would often go off his medications, which led to further trouble, including a run-in with the law in 2015. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2024 In addition, Strawberry has had a long history of alcohol and drug use, which has often led to legal issues and run-ins with the law. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 Taken in total, the incidents paint Myers as a confrontational and litigious man who sometimes has been praised for his aggressive style of journalism, though that same attribute has often landed him in contentious legal run-ins that have dragged on for years. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024 Living in downtown New York has also had its perks, as his frequent, random run-ins with Andy Cohen, John Oliver and David Letterman have almost functioned like test runs for his red carpet shtick. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 This isn’t the company’s first run-in with customers about its practices. Chris Morris, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Hart has had a number of run-ins with the law since 2020. Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Prior to this breakthrough performance, he’s had multiple run-ins with the law for domestic violence and once for allegedly physically attacking a flight attendant. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
Kay and Tim Deininger walked up to the GOP headquarters in Clermont County on a late February morning hoping to get more information about who's running in the primary. The Enquirer, 14 Mar. 2024 Alexander has been rocked for nine hits and eight runs in just 2 1/3 innings. Jon Becker, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Members of the council will not be allowed to run in the next elections. Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 In the United States, new projects—both from government and commercial ventures—have started up since this story originally ran in 2020. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024 Birmingham 7, Thousand Oaks 4: The Patriots (6-2) scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to break a 4-4 tie. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 This column originally ran in the Washington Free Beacon. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 9 Mar. 2024 This could take the form of short videos that run in the ad spot before, say, a YouTube video. Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2024 This formed a huge inspiration behind her record-breaking run in Antarctica, taking on a challenge that no other woman had attempted before. George Ramsay, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'run-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near run-in

Cite this Entry

“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

run-in

noun
ˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel

More from Merriam-Webster on run-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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