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

That’s in stark contrast to my run-ins with the American flag over the course of the trip thus far, which have left me more conflicted. —Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

There’s also the issue of Shikishima’s girlfriend, Noriko Ōishi, who survived a run-in with Godzilla but is left with a mysterious black marking on her neck. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Besides, all versions of the 2024 MacBook Pro can run in a higher-power energy mode when plugged in, making those tasks take less time. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Boebert is now running in the 4th District covering parts of Denver's southern suburbs and the Eastern Plains. —John Frank, Axios, 5 Nov. 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