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

Max Solomon qualified for the November ballot as a write-in candidate for treasurer in the GOP primary. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026

Only two write-in votes for Kirby Smart is something of an upset. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Verb

Bündchen wrote in both English and Portuguese in the caption of her slideshow. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

This analysis makes up the most compelling part of the book, which is written in a kind of structureless, hybrid blogger-academic style, and otherwise tends to bog down in confusing digressions. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 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