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

ˈend-ˌrən 

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

Noun

The Supreme Court would eventually be asked to bless this end run around its previous decisions — not just Citizens United, but related rulings from 1976 and 2010. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

Yes, some of the Gen V kids, for sure, show up, more towards the end run. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026

Verb

The agency has challenged the subpoena, arguing the bid for the arbitration decision is an end-run around the confidential nature of the proceedings. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026

Trump will now apparently do a similar end-run around Congress to pay other DHS staff like the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, most of whom have worked without paychecks since mid-February when the shutdown started. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for end run

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone

Kids Definition

end run

noun

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