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
: 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
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Morgan and Joanne are seen fixing each other’s hair or inspecting their faces in bathroom mirrors in several scenes, usually following socially awkward or tense moments like a disastrous double-date or a run-in with a frenemy.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 24 Oct. 2025
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
The book doesn’t describe any type of particular link between Andrew and Melania, other than suggesting the two ran in Epstein’s circles around the same time.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
The actor, 55, and his wife Camila Alves, in a new ad for their tequila brand are revisiting McConaughey's 1999 infamous run-in with the law.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Morgan and Joanne are seen fixing each other’s hair or inspecting their faces in bathroom mirrors in several scenes, usually following socially awkward or tense moments like a disastrous double-date or a run-in with a frenemy.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kareem Hunt ran in a 1-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to cut the Bills’ lead to seven, and the Chiefs had the ball last with a chance to tie.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
The book doesn’t describe any type of particular link between Andrew and Melania, other than suggesting the two ran in Epstein’s circles around the same time.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Nov. 2025
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 5 Nov. 2025.
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