run-in
noun
a quarrel; argument.
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run-in
American
[ruhn-in]
/ ˈrʌnˌɪn /
noun
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a quarrel; argument.
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Printing. matter that is added to a text, especially without indenting for a new paragraph.
adjective
run in
British
verb
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to run (an engine) gently, usually for a specified period when it is new, in order that the running surfaces may become polished
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(tr) to insert or include
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(intr) (of an aircraft) to approach a point or target
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informal (tr) to take into custody; arrest
he was run in for assault
noun
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informal an argument or quarrel
he had a run-in with the boss yesterday
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an approach to the end of an event, etc
the run-in to the championship
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printing matter inserted in an existing paragraph
run in
Idioms
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Insert or include something extra, as in Can you run this map in with the text? [Early 1800s]
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Also, run on . In printing, make a solid body of text without a paragraph or other break, as in The quotation should be run in rather than set as a paragraph .
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Also, run someone in . Take someone into custody, as in The police were going to run him in, but he got away . [ Slang ; mid-1800s]
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Visit someone briefly, as in If I have time, I'll run in to see Aunt Mary . [Second half of 1800s]
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Break something or someone in, as in Let's run in the new model on a short flight . [Early 1900s] Also see run into .
Etymology
Origin of run-in
First recorded in 1900–05; noun, adj. use of verb phrase run in
Explanation
A run-in is a confrontation or an argument. Peaceful protests go more smoothly when protestors avoid run-ins with the police. If you get in a fight with your brother about how he never loads the dishwasher, you can call that a run-in. A more serious kind of run-in might be a shoplifter's run-in with a store security guard or a basketball player's angry run-in with a referee that gets him benched for the rest of the season. Before 1905, run-in meant an instance of actually running somewhere.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
In his 2025 memoir, “Truly,” Richie recounted a chance run-in with the comedian George Burns at the Polo Lounge.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
Eckersley's 27th try of the season sent Wigan further ahead as he showed great intelligence to race through, while Keighran matched his fine work with the boot with a long-range run-in of his own.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
Trump and Cohen broke the ice during a “brief yet significant” run-in at one of Trump’s golf clubs last summer, the New York Times reported.
From Slate ● Aug. 24, 2026
After a rough start, including a run-in with an irritating policeman, she lands at the home of a baker, Osono, who gives her a place to stay in exchange for labor and her delivery services.
From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026
“We’d have a run-in every now and then. But he was a good dog just the same.”
From "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
Read: The 10-year Treasury is having its worst run in over 100 years.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
Beesley, a documentary filmmaker and avid catfish noodler, had taken a shine to Walters during Mudcats’ run in 2012 and 2013.
From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026
After an Atlanta run in 2023, “Water for Elephants” hit Broadway in March 2024, where it earned seven Tony nominations, including best musical.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026
The show is scheduled for a three-day run in April.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
What would compel every one of them to run in the opposite direction of where they were headed?
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
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.
