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

Despite his run-ins with the Iranian authorities, Panahi continues to make movies. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026

Over the past two decades, Panahi has had frequent run-ins with the Iranian authorities. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

There’s a lot left to get back on the right track — especially with the New York Giants figuring things out at the top of the division — but Monday’s result could serve as the launching pad for a run in the next few weeks. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

These changes were intended to support the long-distance challenge, which required multiple crossings rather than a single uninterrupted run in one direction. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 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