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
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
The e-commerce and cloud giant will deploy electronic kiosks in One Medical primary care locations starting in December 2025 in the greater Los Angeles area, with expansions to other locations soon after, the company wrote in a press release. Jeff Marks,paulina Likos, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025 Costner, who was also an executive producer on the show, reportedly wanted Bentley to ignore what Sheridan wrote in his script, instead performing the scene the way Costner thought it should be performed. Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 9 Oct. 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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