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 of runny

• 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

Symptoms can appear within days after exposure and may include moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 30 July 2026

An older study from 2008 found that drinking a hot drink can provide fast relief from a cough, runny nose, or sore throat. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026

First, enjoy one plain, to taste the premium beef; trick up the second one with the toppings; finally, dip the third into the runny egg. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

In the summer, antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin and Benadryl, along with other allergy medicines, can help relieve symptoms, like sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses. — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

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