write-in

1 of 2

noun

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 date for residents to register as a write-in candidate passed in late January. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Alliance San Diego, an election watchdog group, raised concerns that eliminating primaries could hurt write-in candidates. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
New York State’s congestion, or cordon, pricing initiative does not provide an option for drivers to enter the city without paying a toll, Duffy wrote in a letter to Hochul. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025 That source code allows for more ambitious projects than have been possible thus far, Valve wrote in a blog post. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near write-in

Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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