run

verb

Save Word

\ ˈrən

ran\ ˈran

\ also chiefly dialectal run; run; running

Definition of run

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to go faster than a walk specifically : to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step

b of a horse : to move at a fast gallop

c : flee, retreat, escape dropped the gun and ran

d : to utilize a running play on offense —used of a football team

2a : to go without restraint : move freely about at will let chickens run loose

b : to keep company : consort a ram running with ewes ran with a wild crowd when he was young

c : to sail before the wind in distinction from reaching or sailing close-hauled

d : roam, rove running about with no overcoat

3a : to go rapidly or hurriedly : hasten run and fetch the doctor

b : to go in urgency or distress : resort runs to mother at every little difficulty

c : to make a quick, easy, or casual trip or visit ran over to borrow some sugar

4a : to contend in a race

b : to enter into an election contest will run for mayor

5a : to move on or as if on wheels : glide file drawers running on ball bearings

b : to roll forward rapidly or freely

c : to pass or slide freely a rope runs through the pulley

d : to ravel lengthwise stockings guaranteed not to run

6 : to sing or play a musical passage quickly run up the scale

7a : to go back and forth : ply the train runs between New York and Washington

b of fish : to migrate or move in considerable numbers especially : to move up or down a river to spawn

8a : turn, rotate a swiftly running grindstone

b : function, operate the engine runs on gasoline software that runs on her computer

9a(1) : to continue in force, operation, or production the contract has two more years to run the play ran for six months

(2) : to have a specified duration, extent, or length the manuscript runs nearly 500 pages

b : to accompany as a valid obligation or right a right-of-way that runs with the land

c : to continue to accrue or become payable interest on the loan runs from July 1

10 : to pass from one state to another run into debt

11a : to flow rapidly or under pressure

b : melt, fuse

c : spread, dissolve colors guaranteed not to run

d : to discharge liquid (such as pus or serum) a running sore

12a : to develop rapidly in some specific direction especially : to throw out an elongated shoot of growth

b : to tend to produce or develop a specified quality or feature they run to big noses in that family

13a : to lie in or take a certain direction the boundary line runs east

b : to lie or extend in relation to something

c : to go back : reach

d(1) : to be in a certain form or expression the letter runs as follows

(2) : to be in a certain order of succession

14a : to occur persistently musical talent runs in the family

b(1) : to remain of a specified size, amount, character, or quality profits were running high

(2) : to have or maintain a relative position or condition (as in a race) ran third running late

c : to exist or occur in a continuous range of variation shades run from white to dark gray

15a : to spread or pass quickly from point to point chills ran up her spine

b : to be current : circulate speculation ran rife

transitive verb

1a : to cause (an animal) to go rapidly : ride or drive fast

b : to bring to a specified condition by or as if by running ran himself to death

c : to go in pursuit of : hunt, chase dogs that run deer

d : to follow the trail of backward : trace ran the rumor to its source

e : to enter, register, or enroll as a contestant in a race

f : to put forward as a candidate for office

g : to carry (the football) on a running play

2a : to drive (livestock) especially to a grazing place

b : to provide pasturage for (livestock)

c : to keep or maintain (livestock) on or as if on pasturage

3a(1) : to pass over or traverse with speed

(2) : to run on or over in athletic competition runs the bases well run the floor

b : to accomplish or perform by or as if by running ran a great race run errands

c : to slip or go through or past run a blockade run a red light

d : to travel on in a boat run the rapids

4a : to cause to penetrate or enter : thrust ran a splinter into her toe

b : stitch

c : to cause to pass : lead run a wire in from the antenna

d : to cause to collide ran his head into a post

e : smuggle run guns

5 : to cause to pass lightly or quickly over, along, or into something ran her eye down the list

6a : to cause or allow (a vehicle or a vessel) to go in a specified manner or direction ran the car off the road

b : operate run a lathe

c : to direct the business or activities of : manage, conduct run a factory

d : to employ or supervise in espionage run an agent

7a : to be full of or drenched with streets ran blood

b : contain, assay

8a : to cause to move or flow in a specified way or into a specified position run cards into a file

b : to cause to produce a flow (as of water) run the faucet also : to prepare by running a faucet run a hot bath

9a : to melt and cast in a mold run bullets

b : treat, process, refine run oil in a still run a problem through a computer

10 : to make oneself liable to : incur ran the risk of discovery

11 : to mark out : draw run a contour line on a map

12a : to permit (charges) to accumulate before settling run a tab at the bar —often used with upran up a large phone bill

b : cost sense 1 rooms that run $50 a night

13a : to produce by or as if by printing —usually used with offran off 10,000 copies of the first edition

b : to carry in a printed medium : print every newspaper ran the story

14a : to make (a series of counts) without a miss run 19 in an inning in billiards

b : to lead winning cards of (a suit) successively

c : to alter by addition ran his record to six wins and four losses

15 : to make (a golf ball) roll forward after alighting

16 baseball : to eject (a player, coach, or manager) from a game Ron Luciano ran Weaver early in game one of a doubleheader in 1975, and then ran him again during the lineup meeting prior to the start of game two.— Jeff Burd

run across

: to meet with or discover by chance

run a fever or run a temperature

: to have a fever

run after

1 : pursue, chase especially : to seek the company of

2 : to take up with : follow run after new theories

run against

1 : to meet suddenly or unexpectedly

2 : to work or take effect unfavorably to : disfavor, oppose

run a tight ship

: to have strict and exacting standards in controlling or managing something (such as a business)

run by or run past

: to present to (as for evaluation) ran some ideas by her

run circles around or run rings around

: to show marked superiority over : defeat decisively or overwhelmingly

run dry

1 : to use up an available supply

2 : to become exhausted or spent his inspiration had run dry

run interference

: to provide assistance by or as if by clearing a path through obstructions ran interference for me with the press

run into

1a : to change or transform into : become

b : to merge with

c : to mount up to their yearly income often runs into six figures

2a : to collide with

b : to meet by chance ran into an old classmate the other day

run low on

: to approach running out of running low on options

run one's mouth

: to talk excessively or foolishly

run riot

1 : to act wildly or without restraint

2 : to occur in profusion daffodils running riot

run short

: to become insufficient

run short of

: to use up : run low on

run the numbers

: to perform calculations

run the table

1 : to sink all remaining shots without missing in pool

2 : to win all remaining contests

run to

: to mount up to the book runs to 500 pages

run upon

: to run across : meet with

run with

1 : to use or exploit fully : make the most of took the idea and ran with it

2 : to publicize widely the press ran with the quote

run

noun

Definition of run (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : an act or the action of running : continued rapid movement

b : a quickened gallop

c : a migration of fish (as up or down a river) especially to spawn also : such fish in the process of migration

d : a running race a mile run

e : a score made in baseball by a runner reaching home plate safely

f : strength or ability to run

g : a gain of a usually specified distance made on a running play in football scored on a 25-yard run also : a running play

h : a sustained usually aggressive effort (as to win or obtain something) making a run at the championship

2a chiefly Midland : creek sense 1

b : something that flows in the course of an operation or during a particular time the first run of sap in sugar maples

3a : the stern of the underwater body of a ship from where it begins to curve or slope upward and inward

b : the direction in which a vein of ore lies

c : a direction of secondary or minor cleavage : grain the run of a mass of granite

d : a horizontal distance (such as that covered by a flight of steps)

e : general tendency or direction

4 : a continuous period or series especially of things of identical or similar sort a run of bad luck : such as

a : a rapid passage up or down a scale in vocal or instrumental music

b : a number of rapid small dance steps executed in even tempo

c : the act of making successively a number of successful shots or strokes also : the score thus made a run of 20 in billiards

d : an unbroken course of performances or showings a long run on Broadway

e : a set of consecutive measurements, readings, or observations

f : persistent and heavy demands from depositors, creditors, or customers a run on a bank

g : sequence sense 2b

5 : the quantity of work turned out in a continuous operation a press run of 10,000 copies

6 : the usual or normal kind, character, type, or group the average run of students

7a : the distance covered in a period of continuous traveling or sailing

b : a course or trip especially if mapped out and traveled with regularity

c : a news reporter's regular territory : beat

d : freedom of movement in or access to a place or area has the run of the house

8a : the period during which a machine or plant is in continuous operation

b : the use of machinery for a single set of processing procedures a computer run

9a : a way, track, or path frequented by animals

b : an enclosure for domestic animals where they may feed or exercise

c Australia

(1) : a large area of land used for grazing a sheep run

(2) : ranch, station run-holder

d : an inclined passageway

10a : an inclined course (as for skiing or bobsledding)

b : a support (such as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs

11a : a ravel in a knitted fabric (as in hosiery) caused by the breaking of stitches

b : a paint defect caused by excessive flow

12 runs plural in form but singular or plural in construction : diarrhea —used with the

on the run

1 : in haste : without pausing ate lunch on the run

2 : in retreat : in flight (as from the law) an escaped convict on the run

run for one's money

: a serious challenge to one's supremacy is expected to give the incumbent a good run for his money

run

adjective

Definition of run (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : being in a melted state run butter

b : made from molten material : cast in a mold run metal

2 of fish : having made a migration or spawning run a fresh run salmon

3 : exhausted or winded from running

Other Words from run Synonyms Using Run in the Past Tense: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about run

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of run in a Sentence

Verb How fast can you run? He runs faster than anyone else on the team. She ran up the stairs to get her jacket. We ran for the train—but missed it. I heard her scream and ran to help. She ran to me for help. The dog ran away from me. The dog ran toward me. When I called the dog, he came running. Don't expect me to come running every time you want something. I'm not your servant. Noun He goes for a six-mile run every evening. She took the dogs out for a run.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb She's also long supported the idea of leaving choices about how schools are run to local leaders, not the federal government. — Erin Richards, USA TODAY, "L.A., San Diego schools will start online this fall - a growing trend against what Trump wants," 14 July 2020 Drill a hole in each arm of the chair, then run a rope securely through the hole, knot the rope under the chair arm and hang over the branch of a tree. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: How to wear your mask," 13 July 2020 And there's no reason to think that Theron can't keep this action run alive. — Derek Lawrence, EW.com, "With The Old Guard, Charlize Theron continues her reign as Hollywood’s top action star," 13 July 2020 Hanosh also said a water truck running five days a week will now run seven days. — Helena Wegner, The Arizona Republic, "Summer heat offers additional challenges for those experiencing homelessness in Phoenix," 12 July 2020 On the Fifth & Mission podcast, transportation reporter Rachel Swan talks about how the city will probably lose 40 of its 68 bus lines permanently, and cable cars won’t run until there’s a vaccine. — Chronicle Staff, SFChronicle.com, "Coronavirus news from the Bay Area: July 8-9," 12 July 2020 Eventually the nightly demonstrations will run their course, said the academics and policing experts who have studied police and protest dynamics. — oregonlive, "Tear gas, riot gear incite protesters. Make targeted arrests instead, experts say.," 12 July 2020 Caroline Biden is not the only member of the former vice president's family who has had run-ins with the law. — Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, "Biden niece arrested after driving under the influence in 2019," 11 July 2020 In the meantime, the best option may simply be to don a cotton mask, take a deep if uncomfortable breath, and work on making masks feel run-of-the-mill. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "How to make masks that everyone will want to wear," 10 July 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun However, Rubio is 29-years-old and probably not a viable starting point guard when the Deandre Ayton-Devin Booker core is ready to make a hypothetical run at contention. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, "NBA mock draft: Suns pick LaMelo Ball after moving up in 2020 NBA draft lottery simulation," 11 July 2020 Current country radio chart-topper Lee Brice, Summerfest favorite Phil Vassar and '90s alternative rock act Blessid Union of Souls are some of the acts playing the latest run of Live at the Lot, running July 17 to 26. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Lee Brice, Phil Vassar, Blessid Union of Souls playing Live at the Lot drive-in concert series near Milwaukee," 9 July 2020 The feature was then scheduled to begin a commercial run at Northwest Portland’s Cinema 21 on March 20. — oregonlive, "Northwest Film Center offers special streaming preview of Oregon-filmed movie, ‘First Cow,’ Thursday," 9 July 2020 At the dog run at Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens, animals shed their leashes and got up close and personal with one another, even as their owners stood six feet apart with their faces covered. — Michael Gold, New York Times, "N.Y.C. Reopening: Dog Runs and Manicures, but Still No Indoor Dining," 6 July 2020 Lakers forward Anthony Davis and coach Frank Vogel are confident the Lakers can continue their dominant play and a run at the NBA title despite long break. — Los Angeles Times, "Lakers assistant Lionel Hollins deemed ‘high risk,’ won’t travel to Orlando," 3 July 2020 The pieces are clearly in place for Williamson to make another run. — Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, "Class 4A state boys basketball champ Williamson has new goal: Repeat the feat," 30 June 2020 Caridad ran a personal-record 5:31.05 in the 1,600-meter run at the Bridgeland Relays in March. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Taylor grad Caridad among St. Thomas cross country freshman class," 23 June 2020 The 36-year-old finished off a historic three-year run at the 118-year-old school by winning its first North Coast Section (2017) and state titles (2018) and compiling a record of 34-5. — Mitch Stephens, SFChronicle.com, "Football, basketball coaching changes across Bay Area high school landscape," 20 June 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Can consistently reach second level in run support. — oregonlive, "Bram Walden, Adidas All-American Bowl selection and 4-star OL, commits to Oregon Ducks over Ohio State, LSU, others," 8 May 2020 Could improve physicality and tackling technique, particularly in run support. — oregonlive, "Steven Ortiz Jr., 4-star cornerback, announcing decision Thursday; Oregon Ducks in top 5," 9 Apr. 2020 Brown, a Leroy graduate, spent last season as run game coordinator at Mobile Christian. — Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, "HS Coaching News: Scott Rials leaving Luverne to take over at Baldwin County," 17 Mar. 2020 Also, this 2020 group is heavy on pass catchers and light on run blockers. — Scott Patsko, cleveland, "Tight ends and the Browns at NFL combine 2020: What you need to know," 25 Feb. 2020 The oldest two will be working as volunteers at a run aid station Sunday, waiting for a glimpse of their parents among the capacity field competing in and around Tempe Town Lake. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Half Ironman triathlon isn't enough, Scottsdale husband-wife taking on full 5 weeks later," 21 Nov. 2019 For more on state budgeting and economic performance, see the states with the best and worst economies , the best and worst states for business , and the best and worst run states in America: a survey of all 50 . — Nancy Tengler, USA TODAY, "If you're saving for retirement, remember this: It's really just 20 years of unemployment," 22 Oct. 2019 Unfortunately, Clinton-Dix tends to be a bit passive in run support and really struggles to defeat blocks, even from wide receivers (above clip). — John Owning, Dallas News, "Film room: How will new safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix fit into Cowboys’ defense?," 20 Mar. 2020 Henderson is considered an excellent cover guy, if a little light in run support. — Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, "Do the Cowboys really need to let Byron Jones walk? Maybe not, but they are betting on drafting a CB for a lower price," 7 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'run.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about run

Dictionary Entries near run

Statistics for run

Last Updated

30 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run. Accessed 8 Aug. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for run

run

verb

English Language Learners Definition of run

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to move with your legs at a speed that is faster than walking

: to leave a place quickly by running

: to run as part of a sport, for exercise, or in a race

run

noun

English Language Learners Definition of run (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act of running

: a continuous series of similar things

: a continuous series of performances or showings

See the full definition for run in the English Language Learners Dictionary

run

verb

\ ˈrən

ran\ ˈran \; run; running

Kids Definition of run

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to go at a pace faster than a walk

2 : to go rapidly or hurriedly She ran home to get her book.

3 : to take to flight They saw the police and ran.

4 : to pass over, across, or through She ran her fingers through her hair.

5 : function entry 2 That old car is still running.

6 : to cause to function Can you run this machine?

7 : extend sense 2 The trail runs from here to the border.

8 : to move freely about He let the animals run loose.

9 : flow entry 1 sense 1 A brook runs through the field.

10 : to be in charge of : manage My pop runs a newspaper here in town.— Oliver Butterworth, The Enormous Egg

11 : to do something by or as if by running I'm running errands.

12 : to take part in a race

13 : to move on or as if on wheels

14 : to go back and forth often according to a fixed schedule The train runs between Boston and Chicago.

15 : to migrate or move in schools The salmon are running early this year.

16 : to continue in force The exhibit runs until the end of the month.

17 : to pass into a specified condition The well ran dry.

18 : to spread into another area The dyes are guaranteed not to run.

19 : to give off liquid My nose is running.

20 : to tend to develop a specified feature or quality The shirts run small.

21 : to slip through or past They ran the blockade.

22 : to cause to penetrate He ran a knife through the bread.

23 : to cause to go The sheriff ran them out of town. I ran my car off the road.

24 : to take on She ran the risk of being caught.

25 : to print or broadcast Every channel runs the ad.

26 : to be a candidate for office She ran for mayor.

27 : to occur again and again The condition runs in the family.

run away

: to leave home secretly without intending to return

run into

: to meet by chance

run off

: to leave in a hurry

run out

1 : to come to an end Time ran out before I finished.

2 : to become used up Supplies were running out.

run out of

: to use up the available supply of We ran out of gas.

run over

: overflow entry 1 sense 1

run

noun

Kids Definition of run (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act or the action of running He took the dog for a run.

2 : a score made in baseball by a base runner reaching home plate

3 : an enclosure for animals where they may feed and exercise

4 : the usual or normal kind It's like the usual run of shops.

5 : a continuous series especially of similar things We have had a long run of good luck.

6 : sudden heavy demands from depositors, creditors, or customers There was a run on the bank.

7 : the quantity of work turned out in a continuous operation

8 : the distance covered in a period of continuous traveling

9 : a regular course or trip

10 : freedom of movement Our guests had the run of the house.

11 : a way, track, or path frequented by animals a deer run

12 : slope entry 1 sense 1 a ski run

13 : a spot in knitted fabric that has unraveled My stocking has a run in it.

run

intransitive verb

\ ˈrən

ran\ ˈran

\; run; running

Medical Definition of run

: to discharge fluid (as pus or serum) a running sore

run a fever or run a temperature

: to have a fever

Keep scrolling for more

run

intransitive verb

ran; run; running

Legal Definition of run

1a : to be or continue to be in operation or effect

b : to proceed toward expiration or effectiveness statute of limitations began to run when she received notice of the injury — compare toll

2 : to continue to accrue or become payable in an amount increasing with the passing of time interest running from a particular date

run with the land

: to pass as a right or encumbrance upon the transfer of real property the restrictive covenant ran with the land

Keep scrolling for more

Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

run

Definition of run

Other Words from run

Synonyms for run

Using Run in the Past Tense: Usage Guide

Examples of run in a Sentence

First Known Use of run

History and Etymology for run

Learn More about run

Dictionary Entries near run

Statistics for run

English Language Learners Definition of run

Kids Definition of run

Medical Definition of run

Legal Definition of run

WORD OF THE DAY

beholden

Test Your Vocabulary

Trending: Officials: Russia 'Denigrating' Biden

The Words of the Week - 8/7/20

Help Your Kids Beat the Summer Slump

'Pandemic' vs 'Epidemic'

How to Remember the Spelling of 'Definitely'

run

Definition of run

Other Words from run

Synonyms for run

Using Run in the Past Tense: Usage Guide

Examples of run in a Sentence

First Known Use of run

History and Etymology for run

Learn More about run

The first known use of run was before the 12th century

7 Idioms from American Football

Dictionary Entries near run

Phrases Related to run

Statistics for run

English Language Learners Definition of run

Kids Definition of run

Medical Definition of run

Legal Definition of run

WORD OF THE DAY

beholden

Test Your Vocabulary

Trending: Officials: Russia 'Denigrating' Biden

The Words of the Week - 8/7/20

Help Your Kids Beat the Summer Slump

'Pandemic' vs 'Epidemic'

How to Remember the Spelling of 'Definitely'