outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran ˌau̇t-ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1
: to run faster than
2
: exceed, surpass
his ambitions outrun his abilities

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs. His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.
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.
Hares are built for speed and agility, capable of outrunning most predators with powerful, long jumps. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 What a remarkable run to fall behind entering the final curve, jostle with another horse in the final straight, only to outrun Gosger at the post. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 18 May 2025 Randa Richter, Humane Programs & Public Media Director of SPCA Florida, told Fox 13 Tampa Bay that the cat quickly outran the employees. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025 Following the murder of her best friend, she’s forced to outrun the mob in her 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, traversing the byways of America while solving murders along the way. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for outrun

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outrun was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrun. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

outrun

verb
out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran -ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning
1
: to run or go faster than
2
: exceed sense 1
our needs outran our funds
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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