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
San Jose City Council races are nonpartisan — meaning that all candidates run against each other, and if no candidate earns more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters head to a runoff in November. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Now in first place and likely headed to a runoff, Jurado is yet another example of the electoral might being wielded by the city’s political left. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 That means doing things like decreasing pollution from leaky septic systems and fertilizer runoff. Jason Gulley Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Brandon Gill has won the Republican primary to replace Rep. Michael Burgess in Congress, avoiding a runoff election despite a crowded field of candidates. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2024 If no candidate pulled ahead of that benchmark, the runner-up could request a runoff election be held in May. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 The race would go to a runoff in November if no one candidate receives a majority — the only thing that seems certain a day after the race. Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 In many of the races, voters will be deciding which candidates move on to November runoffs. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 The top two finishers will have a November runoff if no one receives more than 50% of the primary vote. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
With Mitty’s rim-protector out, the Ugly Eagles ran off a quick six points to cut Mitty’s lead to 34-29. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 When people feel frustrated and stuck, the software doesn't ship on time (or at all), teams run off in the wrong direction and in today's world, doors open for bad actors to come in and cause significant damage. Pedro Canahuati, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Israeli forces have looked for nodes that, once destroyed, can render other passages running off them effectively inoperative, officials explained. Shane Harris, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 But Holmgren blocked two straight shots, Williams ran off 10 straight points for the Thunder and a 3-pointer by Cason Wallace stretched Oklahoma City's lead to 107-86 with 8:02 left. Dick Scanlon, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 Responding to the state’s timeline that showed Walton and Cosby running off after the shooting, Greenstein called it instinctive. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Put simply, regulators and standards bodies now want to know not only what companies are releasing into the air, but also what may be leeching into soil, running off into streams and oceans and affecting wildlife habitats. Mary Foley, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The urban-friendly bike has five different pedal-assist modes, and employs a mid-drive motor that provides up to 140 newton-meter-seconds of torque to pick up speed quickly, powered by a 500-watt motor that runs off a 500-watt-hour battery. Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024 There's already footage of Mahmoud running off in the dead of night with a suitcase — and Nicole's belongings. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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

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