Run in

verb

To visit someone briefly, especially as a friendly gesture.

I'll run in to check on my grandmother later today.

Often appears as...

run in for a moment
run in to see

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To encounter or become involved with something, especially by chance.

I ran in with an old friend while shopping.

Often appears as...

run in to problems
run in with someone

verb

To break in a new vehicle or machinery by using it gently at first.

He's careful to properly run in his new car before driving it long distances.

Often appears as...

run in a machine
run in a new car

Usage tips

Technical

verb

To arrest someone.

The police finally managed to run in the suspect.

Often appears as...

run in a suspect
run in a criminal

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

verb

To sew something with loose stitches.

I'll just run in a quick hem on this dress.

Often appears as...

run in a hem
run in a seam

Usage tips

Technical

verb

To visit someone briefly, especially as a friendly gesture.

I'll run in to check on my grandmother later today.

Often appears as...

run in for a moment
run in to see

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To encounter or become involved with something, especially by chance.

I ran in with an old friend while shopping.

Often appears as...

run in to problems
run in with someone

verb

To break in a new vehicle or machinery by using it gently at first.

He's careful to properly run in his new car before driving it long distances.

Often appears as...

run in a machine
run in a new car

Usage tips

Technical

verb

To arrest someone.

The police finally managed to run in the suspect.

Often appears as...

run in a suspect
run in a criminal

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

verb

To sew something with loose stitches.

I'll just run in a quick hem on this dress.

Often appears as...

run in a hem
run in a seam

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 5

Pro Tip 1/2

Brief Visit

Denotes a short, informal visit for checking on someone or saying hello.

I might run in to say hi to Joe while I'm in town.

Pro Tip 2/2

Casual Tone

Conveys a laid-back and spontaneous visit, not planned or formal.

Can I run in tomorrow to grab my book?

Pro Tip 1/2

Brief Visit

Denotes a short, informal visit for checking on someone or saying hello.

I might run in to say hi to Joe while I'm in town.

Pro Tip 2/2

Casual Tone

Conveys a laid-back and spontaneous visit, not planned or formal.

Can I run in tomorrow to grab my book?

Pro Tip 1/2

Brief Visit

Denotes a short, informal visit for checking on someone or saying hello.

I might run in to say hi to Joe while I'm in town.

Pro Tip 2/2

Casual Tone

Conveys a laid-back and spontaneous visit, not planned or formal.

Can I run in tomorrow to grab my book?

Visual representation of the word "Run in"

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