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
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
And bikers should use a trail bell to prevent most unexpected run-ins.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Matt Gelb, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Michelle Gurule on Writing About Sex Work When my essay about paying for $42,000 worth of dental work with sugar baby money first ran in HuffPost Personal, I was thrilled.
—Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
Then there’s Marty’s not so coincidental coffee-shop run-in with Allen.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
And bikers should use a trail bell to prevent most unexpected run-ins.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Phillies have scored three or fewer runs in seven of their last eight postseason games.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Michelle Gurule on Writing About Sex Work When my essay about paying for $42,000 worth of dental work with sugar baby money first ran in HuffPost Personal, I was thrilled.
—Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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