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 Lake County Board seat of outgoing District 17 member Michael Danforth — a prominent Republican voice on the largely Democratic panel — has generated some election controversy, as the write-in candidate has accused her opponent of backroom deals with Danforth. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

The contest will be included on the ballot, and voters will be able to select Hamilton or a qualified write-in candidate. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026

Verb

The Hawks wrote in a statement on Monday that it was disappointed with the NBA’s decision but would respect it. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Aluminum on the London Metal Exchange may rise 28% on a yearly basis to $3,250 a ton in the first half due to the supply issues, Michelle Leung, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence wrote in a note. —Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 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