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

That’s a testament to how these four were really digging in to win immunity. —EW.com, 13 June 2024

Nicholas Watson, libero, Suncoast junior: Led the Chargers to regional semifinal appearance; two-year team captain; recorded 365 digs, 493 receptions and 170 service points; had 35 digs in district championship victory. —Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 13 June 2024

Nearly all the brothers had favored amending the bylaws, but a handful of the older men, the kind who liked to brag about having gay friends but still voted Republican, had dug in their heels, resulting in a stalemate. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024

Voters — both Democrats and Republicans — are digging in, and anger is palpable. —Claudia Grisales, NPR, 7 June 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