dig in

verb

dug in; digging in; digs in

transitive verb

1
: to cover or incorporate by burying
dig in compost
2
: to establish in a dug defensive position
the platoon was well dug in

intransitive verb

1
: to establish a defensive position especially by digging trenches
2
a
: to go resolutely to work
b
: to begin eating
3
: to hold stubbornly to a position
4
: to scuff the ground for better footing while batting (as in baseball)
Phrases
dig in one's heels
: to take or persist in an uncompromising position or attitude despite opposition

Examples of dig in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Available in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL, alongside six spring-ready colors, these pants boast a dreamy relaxed fit while a mid-rise elastic waistband promises to never dig in — even during an hours-long flight. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2024 Farther back are multiple sets of muddy trenches – all indications Ukraine is digging in for a long defense. Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Mar. 2024 The pair dug in, their research enabled by a major breakthrough by another Japanese scientist in 2012: The physicist Fusa Miyake discovered that superflares appeared to leave datable signatures in tree rings. Kim Beil, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 Use a fresh blade that doesn’t have any nicks, avoid tipping the blade to keep the corners from digging in, and spritz the glass to add some lubrication. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Most of our days are spent exploring and digging in dirt and climbing trees. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Like any good gym bag, a high-quality yoga mat holder should be easy to carry over your shoulder or wear across your body without digging in or causing chaffing. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 21 Feb. 2024 These pants provide gentle compression to smooth your midsection without digging in or feeling restricting. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024 The atmosphere is rustic, inviting you to relax, dig in and strike up a conversation with your tablemates. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dig in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dig in was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near dig in

Cite this Entry

“Dig in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dig%20in. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dig in

verb
1
: to dig and take position in a trench
the soldiers dug in
2
a
: to go to work
b
: to begin eating

More from Merriam-Webster on dig in

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