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

In her first episode, Hadid’s Sadie has a not-so-friendly run-in with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), and is later shown dressed in full Western gear, riding a horse during the auction at Yellowstone ranch. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Said murder leads him to the Bahamas, with plenty of run-ins with the oddball Florida locals — and a lot of people meeting sticky ends. —Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 17 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