Synonyms of run-innext
1
British : the final part of a race or racetrack
2
3
: something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run in

2 of 2

verb

ran in; run in; running in; runs in

transitive verb

1
a
: to insert as additional matter
b
: to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2
somewhat old-fashioned : to arrest for a usually minor offense
3
chiefly British : to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation

intransitive verb

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In a statement, Krasner addressed Lewis' prior run-ins with the law, including a double shooting for which Lewis was ultimately found not guilty. — Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 This is not the first time Blair has had a run-in with authorities related to an incident on a commercial airliner. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
Julio Aguilar / Getty Cleveland applied pressure again by scoring two runs in the eighth to cut the lead to 5-3, but Tampa was ready for another answer in its next at-bat. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026 The thriller capped a wild run in which five of the top seven teams in the AP Top 25 lost on the same regular-season day for the first time, per Sportradar. — John Coon, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for run-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-in was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-in. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

run-in

noun
ˈrən-ˌin
: an angry dispute : quarrel
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