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

Eileen Laubacher, a Navy veteran and National Security Council official, will appear on the ballot while Jenna Preston, a clinical psychologist, is mounting a write-in challenge. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Williams' first name was spelled 31 ways during the write-in voting. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Verb

Xbox will be cutting a total of 3,200 people, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma wrote in an email to division employees. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 July 2026

At least $13,000 worth of fireworks were stolen from San Juan High School on Sunday, a spokesperson for the school wrote in a social media statement Monday. — Reeti Malhotra july 6, Sacbee.com, 7 July 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
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

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