run-in

1 of 2

noun

1
British : the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run in

2 of 2

verb

ran in; run in; running in; runs in

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to pay a casual visit

Examples of run-in in a Sentence

Noun the rival gangs had a bit of a run-in last night 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There also remains plenty of potential in Newcastle’s defensive assets for their run-in, particular this weekend against Ipswich. Holly Shand, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The possibility of a large meteorite strike is a terrifying scenario with dramatic and deadly consequences, but a space station is far more likely to encounter run-ins with much smaller bits of space rock. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
As of Saturday, the Pirates scored 5+ runs in less than 25% of their games. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025 Lefty Tyler Anderson gave up no runs in six innings and three relievers finished things off for the Los Angeles Angels in a 2-0 win over the Giants at Angels Stadium. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for run-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-in was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

run-in

noun
ˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel

More from Merriam-Webster on run-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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