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
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
Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Deborah has an intense surprise run-in with Ava and her hot couple that night.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
The Royals have scored totals of seven, eight, 10 and 11 runs in games since the start of May (12 games).
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
Chelsea are likely to encounter more high-pressure than low-block defences in their daunting Premier League run-in, starting with the visit of Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Deborah has an intense surprise run-in with Ava and her hot couple that night.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Verb
Detroit blew the game open with nine runs in the bottom of the third, with the lowlight coming after Wilyer Abreu let a ball by Riley Greene go under his glove to the wall, turning a single into a Little League home run.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
The Royals have scored totals of seven, eight, 10 and 11 runs in games since the start of May (12 games).
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
Cite this Entry
“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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