touch in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To tap your travel card on a reader to show you're getting on a bus or train.
Literal meaning: To physically touch something inward or at a point of entry.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
card Oyster barrier reader contactless station
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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