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

Thera Johnson, of Miami Gardens, qualified as a write-in candidate. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

At least eight people are vying for a write-in win, including Kevin Casey. — Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Verb

Rodrigo wrote in an Instagram post caption. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 June 2026

Sayers wrote in an email to Scott Grim, a former Lehigh County coroner who was then the PSCA’s executive director. — Jonah Walters, The Conversation, 24 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