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

Once it was brought to a vote in the House via a legislative end run around Speaker Mike Johnson, lawmakers were forced to go on the record and voted nearly unanimously to release the files. — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026

Now the federal government has launched a voucher program by making an end run around state legislatures. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Verb

No family court judge should be allowed to do an end-run around Florida’s dependency courts and effectively terminate parental rights. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026

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

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