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
Meanwhile, Rose received write-in votes on the baseball writers’ ballot on 15 different occasions. Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025 Scott Waguespack, 32nd, ran as a write-in candidate to retain the committeeman seat in the March 2024 election. Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Verb
The piece was autobiographical, written in the form of a journal covering a week in the life of the author, who was William F. Buckley, Jr. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 This belief led to one of the most important victories in the Iraq War, one American general recently wrote in an essay. John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 29 May. 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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