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

The company has also had frequent run-ins with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

In order to mitigate any bad run-ins for her clients, Danielle Oristian York, executive director and president of 21/64, a company that advises multigenerational philanthropists, encourages them to find organizations that align with their values and to be clear on what their mission and vision are. —Mary Holland, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024

Verb

Why did Brad Pitt run in supporting for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood? —Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024

This column originally ran in the Washington Free Beacon. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 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