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

There is no Democrat in the race, meaning Parks will face write-in challengers Leighton Powers and Jose Elias-Torres in November to represent District 2, which contains Minneola, Montverde and parts of Clermont in the southern part of the county. — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Gibson’s opponent in the general election is a write-in candidate. — Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

Dozens of countries’ names were misspelled or written in pure gibberish. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Start a new job as a news reporter Monday and so won't be writing in too often but will still be reading along. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 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