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 Electric Light Tower wins in a landslide of write-in votes despite collapsing in 1915. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025 Scott Madon, District 29 Republican Scott Madon won his seat with 35.2% of the votes as a write-in candidate after incumbent Sen. Johnnie L. Turner died this year from injuries sustained in a lawn mower accident. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
Trump wrote in a post on his social media site, Truth Social. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 However, he should’ve been given a lower disability rating, prosecutors wrote in the filing. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 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 18 Jan. 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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