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
Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Bryan has faced numerous run-ins with the law over the past few months.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 4 Jan. 2025
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025
The Last Showgirl, whose Hollywood premiere was one of the events canceled due to the devastating LA fires, lands exclusively in theaters on Friday, January 10, 2025, after a limited awards qualifying run in December.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for run-in 
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Noun
Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor had a sweet run-in on the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet, Sunday, nearly 24 years after playing lovers in beloved musical movie Moulin Rouge!
—Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Bryan has faced numerous run-ins with the law over the past few months.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
As an independent, Walden hasn’t absolutely ruled out running in the June 24 Democratic primary in which Adams already faces a sprawling field of challengers.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025
The Last Showgirl, whose Hollywood premiere was one of the events canceled due to the devastating LA fires, lands exclusively in theaters on Friday, January 10, 2025, after a limited awards qualifying run in December.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 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 18 Jan. 2025.
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