runaway

1 of 3

noun

run·​away ˈrə-nə-ˌwā 

1

: one that runs away from danger, duty, or restraint : fugitive

especially : a child who leaves home without permission

2

: the act of running away out of control

also : something (such as a horse) that is running out of control

3

: a one-sided or overwhelming victory

runaway

2 of 3

adjective

1

a

: running away : fugitive

b

: leaving to gain special advantages (such as lower wages) or avoid disadvantages (such as governmental or union restrictions)

runaway shipping firms

a runaway shop

2

: accomplished by elopement or during flight

3

: won by or having a long lead

a runaway success

also : extremely successful

a runaway bestseller

4

: subject to uncontrolled changes

runaway inflation

5

: being or operating out of control

a runaway oil well

a runaway nuclear reactor

run away

3 of 3

verb

ran away; run away; running away; runs away

intransitive verb

1

a

: to leave quickly in order to avoid or escape something

b

: to leave home

specifically : elope

2

: to run out of control : stampede, bolt

3

: to gain a substantial lead : win by a large margin

see also:

run away with

Synonyms of runaway

Adjective

• rampant
• uncontrolled

Verb

• escape
• flee
• run off
• fly
• get out

Examples of runaway in a Sentence

Adjective

The play was a runaway success.

a region plagued by runaway suburban sprawl

Verb

ran away from an unhappy marriage

the child runs away from large dogs

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While the runaway for a similar turnaround is not quite there this time around, with the April 12 regular-season finale rapidly approaching, there at least is the hope that can be taken from a year ago at this time. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026

When the vacuum structure of a test cell failed under high-temperature conditions, the battery did not experience thermal runaway, fire risk, or temperature spikes. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Institutions can’t keep up, and the potential downsides of runaway acceleration are too large. —Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

Khorus Harmonia hatched organically, a lot having to do with the seismic changes contracting Hollywood and runaway production that is roiling the psyches of everyone who makes a living in its ecosystem. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026

Verb

According to the police report, the mother was cornered and groped at her car with her children in the back seat before the man ran away. —Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

Vonbrandt ran away after dinner on an August night. —Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runaway

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

runaway

1 of 3 noun

run·​away ˈrən-ə-ˌwā 

1

: a person who runs away : fugitive

2

: the act of running away out of control

also : something (as a horse) that is running out of control

runaway

2 of 3 adjective

1

: running away : fugitive

2

: being out of control

run away

3 of 3 verb

ˌrən-ə-ˈwā

1

: to leave in a hurry especially to escape from danger or confinement

2

: to leave home