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 Despite the unpopularity of universal tariffs among voters, Trump has dug in on the hardline proposal. Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2024 Opponents still dug in But some say all the talk of a nuclear comeback represents a false hope. Rob Nikolewski, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 Some of the Mars Wrigley candies stuck together or were broken in half in the bag — but that didn't stop us from digging in. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Top it off with a handful of sesame seeds and dig in. 3. Caroline Tien, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dig in 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dig 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

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dig in was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near dig in

Cite this Entry

“Dig in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dig%20in. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dig in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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