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

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

Noun

Sixteen candidates qualified at the Friday deadline, including 10 Republicans, five independents or write-ins and a single Democrat, Gay Valimont. —Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024

Flashback: Duggan was elected mayor in 2013 through a write-in campaign when the city was in the midst of its historic bankruptcy case. —Joe Guillen, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024

Verb

The 2024 rule, which immediately triggered objections from business leaders who called it a government power grab, was not within the FTC’s authority to create, Ferguson wrote in a dissent. —Brian Fung, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024

Mash wrote in her report that his tissue showed evidence of excited delirium, court records show. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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