run-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin How to pronounce run-in (audio)
Synonyms of run-innext
1
British : the final part of a race or racetrack
2
: altercation, quarrel
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run in

2 of 2

verb

ran in; run in; running in; runs in

transitive verb

1
a
: to insert as additional matter
b
: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2
somewhat old-fashioned : to arrest for a usually minor offense
3
chiefly British : to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation

intransitive verb

: to pay a casual visit

Synonyms of run-in

Relevance

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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 late actress had several run-ins with the law. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026 But even those who didn’t get to see the parade up close had their share of Brunson run-ins, his name emblazoned on countless jerseys and his face blown up on cutouts. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 18 June 2026
Verb
Two years later, Gates was running in his first of — so far — 49 Peachtree Road Races. — Andre Butso, AJC.com, 2 July 2026 The outlet wrote that the two have texted over the past few months, and the call could possibly point to a another White House run in Harris' future. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for run-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-in was in 1799

Rhymes for run-in

See All Rhymes for run-in

Browse Nearby Words

runiform
run-in
run in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

run-in

noun
ˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel

More from Merriam-Webster on run-in

Nglish: Translation of run-in for Spanish Speakers

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