Standard Lemma guide

run-in

adj · noun · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • /ˈɹʌnˌɪn/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adj

Meaning 1

(not comparable) Having been run in before or behind previous text.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: adjective, error-misspelling, not-comparable, participle, usually

Topics: communications, editing, journalism, literature, media, publishing, typography, writing

Examples

  • These headings are of the run-in type because a free-hanging style would just be a waste of column inches.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: free-hanging

2

adj

Meaning 2

(sometimes comparable) Having been run in to seat the parts.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: adjective, error-misspelling, not-comparable, participle, usually

Topics: engineering, mechanical, mechanical-engineering, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • A well run-in engine is likelier to consume less crankcase oil over the course of its working life.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: broken in

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

The end-phase of a competition etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Yahoo Sport's Leicester City blogger Helen Nutter gets ready for the Premier League run-in knowing her side - incredibly - still have a great chance of being crowned champions

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

A sudden compression between two coupled railcars when the hinder one is moving faster than the fore one.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

noun

Meaning 6

an angry dispute

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • they had a quarrel
  • they had words

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: quarrel, wrangle, row, words, dustup

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: dispute, difference, difference of opinion, conflict

Narrower terms: affray, altercation, fracas, bicker, bickering, spat, tiff, squabble, pettifoggery, fuss, bust-up

History

Etymology

Derived from the verb run in.

Derived from the verb run into. For the meaning "end-phase", it presumably comes a marathon race, where in the final part the runners run into the stadium and complete a lap.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chickasaw: ittafama — an encounter; a scrape or brush
  • Russian: сты́чка (stýčka) — an encounter; a scrape or brush
  • Spanish: encontronazo — an encounter; a scrape or brush
  • Spanish: roce — an encounter; a scrape or brush
  • Dutch: finale — end-phase of a competition