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

Curtis will face off against Democrat Caroline Gleich, a professional ski mountaineer, Air Force veteran Carlton Bowen, of the Independent American Party of Utah, and write-in Laird Hamblin. —Erin Alberty, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024

Questionnaires were not sent to write-in candidates. —The Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2024

Verb

At the scene, the agency wrote in a release, officers located three men injured by gunfire. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024

The actor had been open about his decades-long struggle with addiction, writing in his 2022 memoir about his time in and out of recovery over the years. —Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 28 Oct. 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