write-in

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of write-innext
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
The University of California, Santa Barbara African and Islamic history professor is staging a write-in campaign. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026 Morrison was elected mayor in November through a write-in campaign, receiving 77 of the town’s 106 votes, according to 10 News. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Thanks for writing in with this one. Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 The irony is that automation, in this case AI, can be prompted to stir people to believe that something is AI-written in how the item is composed, and can also be prompted to fool people into believing something must absolutely be human-written, even though it was prepared by AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 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

Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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

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