1
British
: the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter
ran in; run in; running in; runs in
1
a
: to insert as additional matter
b
: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2
: to arrest for a usually minor offense
3
chiefly British
: to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation
: to pay a casual visit
Synonyms
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
arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2024
Some examples stick with Tynes, like how her cousin was the kind of dedicated friend who would carry someone down the beach after a run-in with a stingray, invite other sailors to his home for Thanksgiving — and remember to give out high-fives to his neighbors’ 5-year-old son.
—Adam Carlson, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 July 2024
Between each era, the performers run in and out of black tents on either side of the stage to change their outfits.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for run-in 
Noun
Newspaper staff had occasional run-ins with campus authorities, such as in 1978 when a female Grapevine reporter used another reporter's press pass to access a men's locker room (at the time, female reporters were banned from the men's locker rooms).
—arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2024
Some examples stick with Tynes, like how her cousin was the kind of dedicated friend who would carry someone down the beach after a run-in with a stingray, invite other sailors to his home for Thanksgiving — and remember to give out high-fives to his neighbors’ 5-year-old son.
—Adam Carlson, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
Verb
Perspectives emerges from the Best First Feature Award at the Berlinale, run in partnership with GWFF since 2006.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 July 2024
Between each era, the performers run in and out of black tents on either side of the stage to change their outfits.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for run-in
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'run-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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