write-in

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of write-innext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
More than 40 states permit write-in candidates in some form. Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2025 The two biggest stars in the city, Aaron Judge and Jalen Brunson, were write-ins on several ballots. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 Dec. 2025
Verb
The column numbers are often written in pencil, suggesting that they were determined and added at a later date. Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025 In the Mays case, two months have been set aside for jury selection and trial, which will likely last more than two weeks, prosecutors wrote in the filing. Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for write-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of write-in was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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