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
Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
But people who’ve had run-ins with Luster say he shouldn’t even have been hired by the northwest Colorado sheriff’s office in 2021.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 27 July 2025
Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2025
Arizona added a run in in the third inning after Tyler Locklear was walked, stole second and scored on an Alek Thomas single to left field.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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
Gille has had repeated run-ins with law enforcement and the courts in Petoskey and Emmet County, going back to at least 2002, online court records show.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
But people who’ve had run-ins with Luster say he shouldn’t even have been hired by the northwest Colorado sheriff’s office in 2021.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 27 July 2025
Verb
After pitching through a hip issue in June and spending July trying to heal and find his prior form, Ober returned on Saturday from the injured list, giving up four runs in his five-inning start in the Twins’ 5-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2025
Arizona added a run in in the third inning after Tyler Locklear was walked, stole second and scored on an Alek Thomas single to left field.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share