1
British
: the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter
ran in; run in; running in; runs in
1
a
: to insert as additional matter
b
: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2
: to arrest for a usually minor offense
3
chiefly British
: to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation
: to pay a casual visit
Synonyms
Examples of run-in in a Sentence
Verb
I just thought I'd run in and pick up my package.
if we catch you shoplifting again, we're going to run you in
Recent Examples on the Web
Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
Though it wasn’t mentioned during the courtroom testimony, some of the Atomwaffen members Murphy referenced while on the stand have had their own run-ins with the law.
—Sean Emery, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for run-in 
Noun
Christina Applegate was still recovering from her first run-in with COVID-19 when another virus recently had her health in the toilet again.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
Though it wasn’t mentioned during the courtroom testimony, some of the Atomwaffen members Murphy referenced while on the stand have had their own run-ins with the law.
—Sean Emery, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for run-in
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'run-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 5 May. 2024.
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