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

This recent arrest is not Belizaire's first run-in with the law. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

After that run-in, though, the two-time Oscar winner said another victim wasn’t so lucky. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026

Verb

While large renewable energy plants are being run in various parts of the world, energy generated through wind and solar energy cannot be used to drive high-power applications. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Korea’s Oscars committee has already submitted Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love as its official entry, which is currently receiving an Oscars-qualifying run in Korean theatres before streaming on Netflix. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 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