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
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
Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
Pratt ran into Ben Affleck while out in Los Angeles in May 2018 and quickly took to social media to share the chance run-in with the world.
—Julia Emmanuele, People.com, 13 July 2025
Rajesh Subramaniam, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Tuesday’s performance came in support of Mets starter Frankie Montas, who worked around eight hits and two walks to limit the Angels to two runs in 5.2 innings.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
Previous Oversight investigation If Feldman were to get brought into Oversight’s investigation into the Biden administration, this would not be her first run-in with Comer.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
Pratt ran into Ben Affleck while out in Los Angeles in May 2018 and quickly took to social media to share the chance run-in with the world.
—Julia Emmanuele, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
How many intelligent devices are running in your home right now?
—Rajesh Subramaniam, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Tuesday’s performance came in support of Mets starter Frankie Montas, who worked around eight hits and two walks to limit the Angels to two runs in 5.2 innings.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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