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
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
However, the first time intra-league matchups could occur, the tournament produced an all-MLS run-in, with each MLS team knocking out their Mexican opponents in the quarterfinals.
—James Nalton, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Ryan Kelly is the new center after a respected nine-year run in Indianapolis (four Pro Bowls).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
In January, nearly two years into Todd and Julie's respective 12-year and seven-year sentences, Chase had his own run-in with the law when he was taken into custody and charged with simple battery after allegedly striking the manager of an Atlanta-area sports bar in the face.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
However, the first time intra-league matchups could occur, the tournament produced an all-MLS run-in, with each MLS team knocking out their Mexican opponents in the quarterfinals.
—James Nalton, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
The annual cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits is based on how inflation is running in the third quarter.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Ryan Kelly is the new center after a respected nine-year run in Indianapolis (four Pro Bowls).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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