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

Earlier run-ins with flu can pay off During the last influenza pandemic — the 2009 swine flu outbreak — people under 65 accounted for most of the hospitalizations and deaths. —Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025

Colbert had prior run-ins with the law in New Orleans. —Laura Barcella, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Verb

The inaugural run in 2024 drew about 1,000 participants, according to a news release. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025

Anderson, a veteran of 165 major league games, has allowed nine hits and six runs in 4.1 innings (a 12.46 ERA) in Grapefruit League play. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for run-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Kids Definition

run-in

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

: an angry dispute : quarrel