write-in

1 of 2

noun

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
The current census has over 40 categories, plus a write-in option for race groups that may have not been included on the form. Sandhya Kambhampati, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024 With the open seat, eight candidates registered as write-ins, including Goodwin and his then-predecessor Alexander. Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 2024 The Republican ballot will have Trump, Haley, Perry Johnson, and a write-in option. Margie Cullen, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024 The 2020 Census, which included MENA as a write-in option, recorded over 3.5 million people who reported Middle Eastern and North African descent. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2024 Some categories, like best movie, best actor and best actress, allow voting members to write-in contenders during first-round voting, which closes May 7. Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 May 2024 Khanna stumped in the state on behalf of an independent write-in campaign when Biden was prohibited by party rules from appearing on the ballot. USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024 Celebrate Earth Day with an environmental write-in, reading and open mic in Joaquin Miller Park. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024 Fong has endorsed Ken Weir, a member of the Bakersfield City Council and the chairman of the Kern County Republican Party, who is running a write-in campaign for the Assembly seat. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Verb
Furthermore, Fancourt rejected Harry’s efforts to expand the scope of the lawsuit to include new bugging or unlawful information-gathering allegations pertaining to articles written in 1994 and 1995 about Princess Diana and in 2016 about his burgeoning relationship with Markle. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2024 At least three depositions previously filed under seal were filed publicly, the HHS lawyers wrote in a motion that sought to toss the appeal. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2024 The victims were a 69-year-old man, a 66-year-old woman and a 6-year-old boy, the North Tonawanda Police Department wrote in a press release. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 20 May 2024 Readers write in to Journal Sentinel dining critic Rachel Bernhard every day — sometimes with very similar questions. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024 Variety’s Owen Gleiberman wrote in his review that the first movie feels more like a set-up for television miniseries. Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 May 2024 Sotomayor’s 15 years on the court are just slightly more than the average that prevailed from George Washington’s presidency down to 1970, law professors Steven G. Calabresi and James Lindgren wrote in a 2006 law review article. David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2024 The treatment arrived too late to save Mallory’s life, Shader Smith writes in a last chapter of the book, but her autopsy revealed that the phages had started to work as intended. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 May 2024 The three proceeded to the theater and watched from the director’s booth a rehearsal of the song written in King’s honor. Larry Tye, TIME, 9 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'write-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of write-in was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near write-in

Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 24 May. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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