cash in

verb

cashed in; cashing in; cashes in

transitive verb

: to obtain cash for
cashed in the bonds

intransitive verb

1
a
: to retire from a gambling game
b
: to settle accounts and withdraw from an involvement (such as a business deal)
2
: to obtain advantage or financial profit
often used with on
cash in on a bestseller

Examples of cash in in a Sentence

some observers thought the lawyers were cashing in on the tragedy
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.
In desperate financial straits, Sutter sold parcels of land to various settlers and entrepreneurs looking to cash in on the Gold Rush, Clio said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 There would still cheap, B-movie versions of original hits, with straight-to-video sequels becoming an increasingly viable way to cash in the emerging home video market, but Coppola blazed a different trail for a studio’s biggest hits. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Of those surveyed, 28% reported paying cash in their recent purchases. Diana Olick, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Some appear to be seeking virality for virality’s sake, maybe to cash in on Facebook’s Content Monetization program. Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cash in

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of cash in was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cash in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cash%20in. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

cash in

verb
1
: to obtain cash for
cashed in her bonds
2
: to benefit financially
souvenir sellers cashed in at the fair
cashing in on their brother's fame
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