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
District 3: Morgan McGarvey defeats Mike Craven McGarvey, the incumbent Democrat, faced a challenge from Craven, a Republican, and two other write-in candidates. Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024 Three other candidates — Nina Luxenberg and Mike Cease of the Green Party and Frank Bertone, a Democratic write-in hopeful — also are on the ballot. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
The couple separated when Harris was 5 and divorced a few years later, Harris wrote in her book. Samantha Putterman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Poems written in Spanish are presented with an English translation. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 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 26 Nov. 2024.

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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