write-in

1 of 2

noun

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
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
Not everyone provided an answer for all 20 questions, but the 18 multiple-choice questions received at least 1,163 votes and the two write-in responses received at least 848. Jon MacHota, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Many were upset with the Democrats’ approach to the Israel-Hamas war and launched write-in campaigns, which contributed to former Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat last November. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025
Verb
The Enquirer excluded 11 people who wrote in but live outside Hamilton County and five comments that were neutral or not directly related to lease terms. Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025 TikTok user Candice Robinson wrote in a comment liked by nearly 28,000 people, adding a few laughing emojis. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for write-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of write-in was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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