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 Hill run-in with police has received global attention, including NBC Nightly News reporter Jesse Kirsch interviewing the polarizing NFL star Monday night. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025

Everything unravels for her after a rotten run-in with the law turns her into an informant. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 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