run-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin 

1

British : the final part of a race or racetrack

2

: altercation, quarrel

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

: 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

Synonyms

Noun

• brush
• encounter
• hassle
• scrape
• skirmish

Verb

• call
• come by
• come over
• drop by
• drop in
• pop (in)
• run (over)
• step in
• stop (by or in)
• 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

Noun

The concept might have remained just an idea if not for a run-in with the law. —Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

During his travels, the professional cyclist has braved brutal headwinds, extreme temperatures, dangerous traffic and even dusted himself off after a run-in with a kangaroo. —George Ramsay, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

Back in 2020, Rogan also had on Bernie Sanders when the Vermont senator was running in the Democratic primary. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024

New York scored five runs in the inning, capped by a grand slam from Mark Vientos to stretch the advantage to 6-0. —Kevin Dotson, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel