run-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌəp 

1

: the act of running up something

2

: a usually sudden increase in volume or price

3

: a period immediately preceding an action or event

run up

2 of 2

verb

ran up; run up; running up; runs up

intransitive verb

: to grow rapidly : shoot up

transitive verb

1

: bid up

2

: to stitch together quickly

3

: to erect hastily

4

: to achieve by accumulating

ran up a big lead

Examples of run-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Mad Money host was ecstatic about the recent run-up in Disney stock this year, strong quarterly numbers and a turnaround in streaming. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 May 2025

While Alvarado literally had to get himself back on the horse, Sovereignty was having a much smoother run-up to the Derby, according to Mott, even after finishing second in his most recent race under jockey Manny Franco in late March. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 4 May 2025

Verb

The 34-year-old, who was provided government immunity in exchange for his testimony, said the work shifts were long, often running up to 100 hours a week and going as late as until 7 a.m. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025

After David was named the winner, Bublé jumped out of his seat and ran up to hug the singer, who was crying. —Daniela Avila, People.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for run-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

run up

verb

: to cause to pile up : accumulate

ran up a big telephone bill