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
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
Olivia Rodrigo is opening up her first-ever run-in with the law.
—EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 26 Oct. 2024
But maybe somebody like me could run in this state.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for run-in 
Noun
There’s also the issue of Shikishima’s girlfriend, Noriko Ōishi, who survived a run-in with Godzilla but is left with a mysterious black marking on her neck.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
Olivia Rodrigo is opening up her first-ever run-in with the law.
—EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
This column originally ran in the Washington Free Beacon.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 26 Oct. 2024
But maybe somebody like me could run in this state.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2024.
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