runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrə-nē 

: having a tendency to run: such as

a

: extremely or excessively soft and liquid

a runny dough

b

: secreting a thin flow of mucus

a runny nose

Synonyms

• thin
• soupy
• watery
• thinned
• wet

Examples of runny in a Sentence

The scrambled eggs are runny.

The pudding is runnier than I like it.

a little boy with a runny nose

My eyes felt itchy and runny.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cover, and cook until whites are set and yolks are still runny, 3 to 4 minutes, rotating skillet one-quarter turn after 1 minute. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025

The frigid air sliced through the open windows, bit the tips of my ears and my runny nose. —Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

This antihistamine is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Flu symptoms can include aches, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose, according to the CDC. —Sara Schilling, Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for runny

• bunny
• funny
• gunny
• honey
• money
• sonny
• sunny
• tunny

Kids Definition

runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrən-ē 

runnier; runniest

1

: too soft and liquid

the scrambled eggs are runny

2

: giving off a liquid

a runny nose

Medical Definition

runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrən-ē 

: secreting a thin flow of mucus

a runny nose