end run

1 of 2

noun

1
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line
specifically : sweep sense 3e
2
: an evasive trick or maneuver
made an end run around the regulations

end-run

2 of 2

verb

end-ran; end-running; end-runs

transitive verb

: to avoid artfully
end-running the law

Examples of end run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And then was abandoned altogether to show a lot more than that, as the show settled into its full-Pussycat end run. Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025 Without the end run, a bid to be elected to a third term would directly contravene the Twenty-second Amendment. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
Democratic candidates frustrated with their party see an opportunity A trend of Democratic outsiders end-running party leaders to launch their campaigns, sometimes in explicit opposition to them, looks set to define the 2026 primaries. Christian Orozco, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 The migrants accused the Trump administration of using Ghana to end-run those protections. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for end run

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of end run was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“End run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20run. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

end run

noun
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end

More from Merriam-Webster on end run

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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