runoff

1 of 2

noun

run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf How to pronounce runoff (audio)
1
: a final race, contest, or election to decide an earlier one that has not resulted in a decision in favor of any one competitor
2
: the portion of precipitation on land that ultimately reaches streams often with dissolved or suspended material

run off

2 of 2

verb

ran off; run off; running off; runs off

transitive verb

1
a
: to recite, compose, or produce rapidly
b
: to cause to be run or played to a finish
c
: to decide (a race) by a runoff
d
2
: to drain off : draw off
3
a
: to drive off (someone, such as a trespasser)
b
: to steal (animals, such as cattle) by driving away

see also run off with

Examples of runoff in a Sentence

Verb the dog often ran off cats and other animals that had intruded upon his owner's property their rebellious daughter's run off because she was disciplined again
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Miller’s calls proved dead accurate for both the 2020 presidential election, and the two Georgia Senate runoffs held two months later. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 Two years later, the method came under the national spotlight when an instant runoff decided the Senate race. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2024
Verb
The Denver Broncos had run off three consecutive wins before losing to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers this past Sunday. Vincent Frank, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 With less water running off fields and into the sea, growing stretches of dry lakebed are being exposed to desert winds that kick up lung-damaging dust. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for runoff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'runoff.' 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

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of runoff was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near runoff

Cite this Entry

“Runoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runoff. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

runoff

1 of 2 noun
run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf How to pronounce runoff (audio)
1
: a final contest or election to decide an earlier one that has not given the victory to one competitor
2
: water from rain or snow that flows over the surface of the ground and finally into streams

run off

2 of 2 verb
ˈrən-ˈȯf,
ˌrən-
1
: to produce rapidly
2
: to decide by a runoff
3
: to drive away
4

More from Merriam-Webster on runoff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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