write-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈrīt-ˌin 

1

: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate

2

: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2

verb

wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in

transitive verb

1

: to insert in a document or text

2

a

: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space

b

: to cast (a vote) in this manner

Examples of write-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the official tally for write-in candidate David Schaafsma, who was also part of the coalition against Mellman and Gertz, won’t be known until after April 15. —Bob Skolnik, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

The big picture: The Conference Board said consumers' write-in responses indicated that Trump policies — supportive or not — far outweighed other factors affecting Americans' view of the economy. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025

Verb

The Pentagon’s supply of missiles and shells was running very short even last year, as Mark Bowden wrote in this magazine in December. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025

But those concerns must be outlined in a Federal Register notice first, which hasn't happened, Liu's attorneys wrote in court documents. —Steph Solis, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for write-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• underpin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin

Kids Definition

write-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈrīt-ˌin

1

: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate

2

: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2 verb

: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space