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
Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Their run-in and Newcastle’s form give them a chance to put pressure on Spurs, who do not play again until Tuesday.
—Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
The Giants haven’t been to a conference championship game since their last Super Bowl run in the 2011 season.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
After yet another run-in between Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, the latter two are teaming up with Rhea Ripley to take on the former group.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Their run-in and Newcastle’s form give them a chance to put pressure on Spurs, who do not play again until Tuesday.
—Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Verb
Aichner, known as Giovanni Vinci for much of his run in WWE, hadn’t really been seen or heard from in months since his departure from WWE.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
The Giants haven’t been to a conference championship game since their last Super Bowl run in the 2011 season.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 May 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 21 May. 2026.
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