write-in

1 of 2

noun

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
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
Representative Tim Burchett won a single vote as a write-in candidate. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025 In the series finale, viewers got a glimpse of how the Parks and Rec characters' lives continued after the show, learning that Jerry was later elected mayor of Pawnee in a write-in campaign and held the position until his 100th birthday. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
Most rectangular pieces feature a menu item — written in Japanese and English — as well as a price. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025 Time and space collide in parallel lives spanning 700 years when author Nick Tosches (from whose novel the film is adapted) is drawn into a violent quest to confirm the origins of a manuscript believed to be Dante’s The Divine Comedy written in the poet’s own hand. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for write-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of write-in was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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