dig in

verb

dug in; digging in; digs in

transitive verb

1

: to cover or incorporate by burying

dig in compost

2

: to establish in a dug defensive position

the platoon was well dug in

intransitive verb

1

: to establish a defensive position especially by digging trenches

2

a

: to go resolutely to work

b

: to begin eating

3

: to hold stubbornly to a position

4

: to scuff the ground for better footing while batting (as in baseball)

Phrases

dig in one's heels

: to take or persist in an uncompromising position or attitude despite opposition

Examples of dig in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As with so many deals this year, however, people are digging in their heels over minor things. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 23 Dec. 2024

Russia is trying to push back a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk that was launched in early August, but Ukraine’s troops are dug in. —Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Washington’s trading partners will have to decide whether to negotiate with him or to dig in for a protracted trade war. —Peter E. Harrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2024

But in recent days, Trump has offered public support for Hegseth and his nominee has dug in while meeting with a range of Senate Republicans. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

dig in

verb

1

: to dig and take position in a trench

the soldiers dug in

2

a

: to go to work

b

: to begin eating