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
somewhat old-fashioned
: 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
Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
He was flanked by two classic Stormtroopers, who had different dialogue in each showing — one time critiquing Black Spire Outpost and later talking of a run-in with a Jedi.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Doomsday, while Imax locked up Dune 3 for an exclusive three week run in a major holiday showdown.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run-in
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Noun
However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
He was flanked by two classic Stormtroopers, who had different dialogue in each showing — one time critiquing Black Spire Outpost and later talking of a run-in with a Jedi.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Chaminade scored five runs in the seventh to tie the score 9-9.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Doomsday, while Imax locked up Dune 3 for an exclusive three week run in a major holiday showdown.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
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 3 May. 2026.
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