View synonyms for run-in

run-in

[ruhn-in]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a quarrel; argument.
Printing., matter that is added to a text, especially without indenting for a new paragraph.

adjective

Printing., added to a text without indenting.

run in

verb

to run (an engine) gently, usually for a specified period when it is new, in order that the running surfaces may become polished
(tr) to insert or include
(intr) (of an aircraft) to approach a point or target
informal, (tr) to take into custody; arrest
he was run in for assault

noun

informal, an argument or quarrel
he had a run-in with the boss yesterday
an approach to the end of an event, etc
the run-in to the championship
printing matter inserted in an existing paragraph

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Word History and Origins

Origin of run-in¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun, adj. use of verb phrase run in

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Idioms and Phrases

Insert or include something extra, as in Can you run this map in with the text? [Early 1800s]

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 .

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]

Visit someone briefly, as in If I have time, I'll run in to see Aunt Mary . [Second half of 1800s]

Break something or someone in, as in Let's run in the new model on a short flight . [Early 1900s] Also see run into .

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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.

Denver have a well-timed bye next week before the run-in, where they have to target the top seed in the AFC and home advantage in the play-offs.