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

Shirts were made, attack ads were run, people's grandmas got involved, celeb guys nominated themselves as write-in candidates and former Sexiest Men Alive weighed in on their picks. —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025

There is a write-in ballot option to shout out your top pick of sandwich maker. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Verb

This announcement further strengthens the relationship between OpenAI and Nvidia as leaders at the forefront of the AI revolution, while providing OpenAI with substantial funding at lower costs by reducing its credit risk, Wedbush Securities analysts wrote in a Tuesday note to investors. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025

However, Swift’s lawyers wrote in a letter obtained by E! —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2025

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
• underpin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin

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