dig in

verb

dug in; digging in; digs in

transitive verb

1
: to cover or incorporate by burying
dig in compost
2
: to establish in a dug defensive position
the platoon was well dug in

intransitive verb

1
: to establish a defensive position especially by digging trenches
2
a
: to go resolutely to work
b
: to begin eating
3
: to hold stubbornly to a position
4
: to scuff the ground for better footing while batting (as in baseball)
Phrases
dig in one's heels
: to take or persist in an uncompromising position or attitude despite opposition

Examples of dig 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.
The image of the Hadids in Pennsylvania is not a new one: Gigi and Bella are horse girls, transplanted from the canyons of Malibu to the pastures of Bucks County, digging in the herb garden or swatting mosquitoes on Instagram Live. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025 Last, but not least, the Cubs are getting some new and improved spring training digs in Mesa, Arizona. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 An archaeological dig in Tanzania unearthed dozens of bone tools dating back about a million and a half years. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The real Maggie had a severe nut allergy, her file indicates, yet this (also faux) Maggie has no problem digging in. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dig in

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dig in was in 1827

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dig in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dig%20in. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dig in

verb
1
: to dig and take position in a trench
the soldiers dug in
2
a
: to go to work
b
: to begin eating

More from Merriam-Webster on dig in

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