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

His first serious run-in with the law came in 2012, when he was reportedly caught receiving a large shipment of marijuana. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

This is not the Biles-Owens household's first run-in with thievery. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

Jones and other Democrats running in Alabama and neighboring states are banking on it. — Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

The wearable in your cart is not the same technology a vet or dermatologist runs in a clinic. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 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
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel