Also: move into. (also preposition) to occupy or take possession of (a new residence, place of business, etc) or help (someone) to do this
informal to creep close (to), as in preparing to capture
informal to try to gain power or influence (over) or interfere (with)
Begin to occupy a residence or working place, as in We are scheduled to move in next month , or Helen is moving in with her sister . [Late 1800s]
move in on . Intrude on; also, try to take over or get control of. For example, Their sales force is moving in on our territory , or The police moved in on the gang . [Mid-1900s]
Noun use of verb phrase move in
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Buyers are picky while prices and mortgage rates remain high, but homes in move-in condition can go quickly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
“I just wanted something super move-in ready where I didn’t have to touch anything once I got in there.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026
And those who do move forward take a “fast-track” option: Houses that are tens of thousands of dollars but are move-in ready.
From Slate • Feb. 1, 2026
“We’re noticing that nowadays, people would rather live in an outdated home with a 3% rate than take on a 7% rate for a move-in ready home,” he said.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025
In a word, our move-in was a local festival; everyone took part.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, July 14th, 1920 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
