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

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

Not everyone provided an answer for all 20 questions, but the 18 multiple-choice questions received at least 1,163 votes and the two write-in responses received at least 848. —Jon MacHota, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Verb

The central constraint can be written in a single sentence—regulation, budget, timeline, talent, compute, attention—and held fixed. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The cost of inaction is written in blood, in headline after headline, in community after community. —Rebecca Fischer, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 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