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
somewhat old-fashioned
: 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
Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
First, laying eggs, and now, a run-in with some wild animals was caught on camera.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Todd Feurer, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Also running in the general election are Republican nominee Lupe Castillo and Ed Hershey, the candidate for the Working Class Party.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
This isn't the first time Paul has had a run-in with the law.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
First, laying eggs, and now, a run-in with some wild animals was caught on camera.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
Four Republicans are also running in Tuesday's primary, but a Republican hasn't won in the district since 2010.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Also running in the general election are Republican nominee Lupe Castillo and Ed Hershey, the candidate for the Working Class Party.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
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 22 Mar. 2026.
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