write-in

1 of 2

noun

1
: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2
: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2

verb

wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in

transitive verb

1
: to insert in a document or text
2
a
: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space
b
: to cast (a vote) in this manner

Examples of write-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
When the polling was done, local election officials reported that Tugnutt actually received write-in votes. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Shirts were made, attack ads were run, people's grandmas got involved, celeb guys nominated themselves as write-in candidates and former Sexiest Men Alive weighed in on their picks. Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Mika Rotunda wrote in a post on social media that Windham unintentionally misspoke. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Farmer lives, reads, and writes in Austin, Texas, and is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for write-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of write-in was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

write-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈrīt-ˌin
1
: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2
: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2 verb
: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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