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
Dave Brooks, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Since then, the cast as reunited for occasions like weddings, school plays and even accidental run-ins in New York City.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
This race is more challenging and less accessible to weekend athletes than the Paris Half Marathon, which already ran in March and has already opened registrations for the next edition on March 8, 2026.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-in
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Weezer has not canceled its plans to perform at Coachella this Saturday (April 12) after the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner sustained non-life-threatening injuries during a bizarre run-in with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers that ended in a dramatic shootout.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Since then, the cast as reunited for occasions like weddings, school plays and even accidental run-ins in New York City.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Gators went on a 7-0 run in a little more than a minute to cut the lead down to four with about 12 minutes to go.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
This race is more challenging and less accessible to weekend athletes than the Paris Half Marathon, which already ran in March and has already opened registrations for the next edition on March 8, 2026.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 2025.
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