write-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrīt-ˌin 

1

: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate

2

: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2

verb

wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in

transitive verb

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

Noun

The general election no longer includes write-in ballots. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 25 May 2026

These included variations of Farm Workers Lane and Itliong Lane — a reference to Filipino American union organizer and civil rights activist Larry Itliong — as well as two write-in submissions for UFW Lane. —Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 24 May 2026

Verb

The large sign on a wall in Jordan Halverson’s office is written in varsity font, like something an athlete taps for good luck on the way out to the field. —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 28 May 2026

Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, wrote in her impact statement that Iwamasa enabled the addiction that led to her son’s death. —Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for write-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

Kids Definition

write-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈrīt-ˌin

1

: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate

2

: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2 verb

: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space