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
Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025
And jurors generally see them as more credible than those who had run-ins with the law.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 July 2025
Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Miami starter Cal Quantrill gave three hits and two runs in five innings, with five strikeouts and one walk.
—Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
Wopat, who has had several run-ins with the law over the years, has over 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025
And jurors generally see them as more credible than those who had run-ins with the law.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 July 2025
Verb
Madrid, in contrast, are run in a much more streamlined and coherent way, despite the odd interjection from president Florentino Perez.
—Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Miami starter Cal Quantrill gave three hits and two runs in five innings, with five strikeouts and one walk.
—Miami Herald, 30 June 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 Jul. 2025.
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