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

In Mississippi, write-in candidates are only allowed in specific cases, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 3 Nov. 2024

Since 1980, votes for third-party and write-in candidates in Michigan have exceeded the margin of victory for the winning presidential candidate three times: in 1980, 1992 and 2016. —Kristi Tanner, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

The Reagan appointee is a lifelong Republican who voted for neither Trump nor Harris by writing in Nikki Haley. —Richard Stacy, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024

All presidential terms since President Jimmy Carter saw healthy stock market returns for the full four or eight years, with the exception of President George W. Bush due to the Great Recession, Motley wrote in a recent market update. —Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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