1 B1 neutral
To touch a contactless travel card or device on a card reader when boarding public transport.
"Make sure you touch in at the yellow card reader before the gates close."
inseparable
touch in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To use a contactless card or device to register entry on public transport.
In plain English
To tap your travel card on a reader to show you're getting on a bus or train.
What does "touch in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically touch something inward or at a point of entry.
Actually means
To tap your travel card on a reader to show you're getting on a bus or train.
Usage tip
Primarily used in the context of British public transport systems, especially on the London Underground and buses with Oyster or contactless payment. Always paired with 'touch out' when leaving. Using the system without touching in can result in a penalty fare.
Words that pair with "touch in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
card Oyster barrier reader contactless station
How to conjugate "touch in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
touch in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
touches in
he/she/it
Past simple
touched in
yesterday
Past participle
touched in
have + pp
-ing form
touching in
continuous
Hear "touch in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "touch in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "touch in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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