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
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, 31 Mar. 2025
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes — the most of any state — and although the critters don't seek out human interaction, an accidental run-in could result in a painful, or even deadly, bite.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
This race is more challenging and less accessible to weekend athletes than the Paris Half Marathon, which already ran in March and has already opened registrations for the next edition on March 8, 2026.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Earlier this year, Bryan, who has had multiple run-ins with the law over the years, allegedly choked and punched an unidentified woman during a domestic dispute that led to his arrest on Jan. 1.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes — the most of any state — and although the critters don't seek out human interaction, an accidental run-in could result in a painful, or even deadly, bite.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Gators went on a 7-0 run in a little more than a minute to cut the lead down to four with about 12 minutes to go.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
This race is more challenging and less accessible to weekend athletes than the Paris Half Marathon, which already ran in March and has already opened registrations for the next edition on March 8, 2026.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
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 10 Apr. 2025.
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