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

Mike Frerichs won an easy victory over Max Solomon, a suburban attorney who earned his spot on the general election ballot via a write-in campaign in the primary. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Historically, write-ins have accounted for a small fraction of South Carolina Senate votes. — Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

Tucking away, often in a small space and writing, taking stuff home and writing in the morning. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2026

Dylan Carden, an equity analyst for William Blair, wrote in a note published Friday that Under Armour’s results give few hints as to when a recovery could be expected for the company. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 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