1
: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2
: a candidate whose name is written in
wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in
1
: to insert in a document or text
2
a
: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space
b
: to cast (a vote) in this manner
Examples of write-in in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026
District 17 Joe Salvi’s only challenger for the Republican primary was write-in candidate Eleanor Sweet McDonnell, who highlighted her track record as president of North Barrington and previous work in politics, while Salvi framed himself as part of a new generation of Lake County Republicans.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Codas, or groupings of clicks, were longer during the birth and then became shorter after the newborn emerged, the authors wrote in Scientific Reports.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for write-in
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Former Franklin mayor Steve Olson has launched a write-in campaign for the city's mayoral seat.
—Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026
District 17 Joe Salvi’s only challenger for the Republican primary was write-in candidate Eleanor Sweet McDonnell, who highlighted her track record as president of North Barrington and previous work in politics, while Salvi framed himself as part of a new generation of Lake County Republicans.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Writer Hugo Vickers writes in the upcoming biography Queen Elizabeth II that Philip underwent heart surgery on March 1, 2021, shortly before his death and almost did not make it.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Codas, or groupings of clicks, were longer during the birth and then became shorter after the newborn emerged, the authors wrote in Scientific Reports.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for write-in
Cite this Entry
“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
