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
Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Since his release, in 2015, his family said he’s had no run-ins with law enforcement.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
The Phillies’ offense exploded for six runs in the first inning this week at Rogers Centre, then mustered four runs over the subsequent 26 innings.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
The 86-minute documentary flies by with heartfelt anecdotes about Bono’s relationship with his father, the earliest days of U2, run-ins with global celebrities and his legacy as an artist.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Since his release, in 2015, his family said he’s had no run-ins with law enforcement.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Verb
Grapevine’s offense started strong with four runs in the first two innings.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
The Phillies’ offense exploded for six runs in the first inning this week at Rogers Centre, then mustered four runs over the subsequent 26 innings.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 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 9 Jun. 2025.
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