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

One percent of the votes were write-ins. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026

Under California law, write-in candidates are allowed only in the primary. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026

Verb

Despite the significant rebound in China's export growth in January and February, external demand is likely to weaken due to the war's energy shock, Bank of America economists led by Helen Qiao wrote in a recent research note. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

Each issue has to be written in a day (no old news) and to represent a day, the day just past. —Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 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
• 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