run in

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

• 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

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

Typically reliable left-hander Caleb Thielbar was tagged for two runs in the eighth, and the A’s brought home the extra-innings runner in the 10th off right-hander Ethan Roberts. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

Jackson Merrill homered in the ninth for the Padres, who have lost five straight games and 9 of 10, scoring a total of 17 runs in their nine losses. —ABC News, 4 June 2026

The Red Sox put the hurt on Orioles righty Albert Suarez from there, batting around and ultimately scoring five runs in the fifth inning. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026

Cade Smith allowed a run in the ninth before converting his big league-leading 21st save and 18th in a row. —Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel