runaround

noun

run·​around ˈrə-nə-ˌrau̇nd How to pronounce runaround (audio)
1
: deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request
tired of getting the runaround
2
: matter typeset in shortened measure to run around something (such as a cut)

Examples of runaround in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And increasingly what's happened, of course, with a divided Congress and a divided Washington is presidents of all strikes, not just Democrats, have wanted to try to do runarounds around Congress a little bit. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 11 July 2023 People appreciate truth and not being given the runaround, even in the most difficult of times. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2023 The good included Thurmond’s help when Howard University gave him a bureaucratic runaround about enrolling at the school. Michael S. Rosenwald, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2023 The runaround includes four pages of deals, offers, snooze alarms and several other distractions. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 13 July 2023 We are particularly inspired by the party boat search: Results range from classic Riva runarounds in the Hamptons to skippered luxury wake surf boats in Lake Powell, Arizona. Chrissie McClatchie, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2023 What is -- save me the runaround. CBS News, 27 Oct. 2020 This is very much an urban runaround. Paul Douglas, Star Tribune, 6 Oct. 2020 Of course, they were sent to Mr. Williams’s office by the parks department — these poor ladies have been getting the same runaround for months. Odie Henderson, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Jan. 2023

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

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of runaround was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near runaround

Cite this Entry

“Runaround.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runaround. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

runaround

noun
run·​around ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd How to pronounce runaround (audio)
: deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request

Medical Definition

runaround

noun
run·​around ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd How to pronounce runaround (audio)
: a whitlow encircling a fingernail or toenail

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