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

Murkowski, more moderate than many of her GOP colleagues, chose to compete in the general election as a write-in candidate. —Eric McDaniel, NPR, 30 May 2026

There’s no mystery candidate riding over the hill to write-in. —John Shallman, Daily News, 30 May 2026

Verb

Even its embossed gold letters were written in a vaguely medieval script. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

Carey’s name is written in a rainbow gradient cursive font on the front and in bold block letters on the back, accompanied by the number 26 (for the year 2026). —Tim Chan, Footwear News, 3 June 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