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
Synonyms
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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Former Smallville star Tom Welling has had a run-in with the law.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Sessions run in parallel, meaning participants will be unable to attend all discussions.
—Harry Booth / Paris, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for run-in 
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Noun
Two Capitol rioters have had run-ins with the police, one fatal, within a week of being pardoned.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Former Smallville star Tom Welling has had a run-in with the law.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
In beating Lakeville North, Shakopee scored six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to go up 10-2.
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Sessions run in parallel, meaning participants will be unable to attend all discussions.
—Harry Booth / Paris, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for run-in
Dictionary Entries Near run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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