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
David Caraccio
march 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
LaBeouf is no stranger to run-ins with the law.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Melissa Lockard, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Last week, 10 Republicans and Harris qualified to run in November's election for a full two-year term.
—Jeff Amy and Sophie Bates The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
The ranch includes two working barns, 10 stalls, extensive paddocks with run-ins and irrigated turnouts.
—David Caraccio
march 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
LaBeouf is no stranger to run-ins with the law.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
With his team down by a run in the bottom of the ninth, Araúz pinch hit for Allen Córdoba and grounded out weakly to second base.
—Melissa Lockard, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Last week, 10 Republicans and Harris qualified to run in November's election for a full two-year term.
—Jeff Amy and Sophie Bates The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2026.
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