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

The race is officially nonpartisan, with Kelley and Schwalbach running against write-in candidate James Smith, a Groveland native and Army veteran. — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

This race is a universal primary because all the candidates are Democrats with no other party candidates and no write-in candidate is on the November ballot. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

Panettiere wrote in her memoir that Nashville took things from her personal life and used it as plot fodder. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026

For example, Lewitinn’s AI system can use the artist’s notation about color and pull in related subjects, including 19th-century optics, pigment chemistry and de Kooning’s studio methods, Lewitinn writes in a recent LinkedIn post. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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