\ ˈrən
\
\
ran\
ˈran
\ also chiefly dialectal run; run; running
\ also chiefly dialectal run; run; running
Definition of run
(Entry 1 of 3)
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
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
c
: to sail before the wind in distinction from reaching or sailing close-hauled
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
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
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
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
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
d
: to employ or supervise in espionage
run an agent
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
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 up ran 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 off ran 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
run a fever
or run a temperature
run after
run against
run a tight ship
run by
or run past
run circles around
or run rings around
run dry
run interference
run into
run low on
run one's mouth
run riot
run short
run short of
run the numbers
run the table
run to
run upon
run with
: to meet with or discover by chance
: to have a fever
2
: to take up with : follow
run after new theories
: to have strict and exacting standards in controlling or managing something (such as a business)
: to present to (as for evaluation)
ran some ideas by her
: to show marked superiority over : defeat decisively or overwhelmingly
1
: to use up an available supply
2
: to become exhausted or spent
his inspiration had run dry
: to provide assistance by or as if by clearing a path through obstructions
ran interference for me with the press
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
: to approach running out of
running low on options
: to talk excessively or foolishly
1
: to act wildly or without restraint
2
: to occur in profusion
daffodils running riot
: to become insufficient
: to use up : run low on
: to perform calculations
1
: to sink all remaining shots without missing in pool
2
: to win all remaining contests
: to mount up to
the book runs to 500 pages
: to run across : meet 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
nounDefinition 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
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
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
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
on the run
run for one's money
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
: a serious challenge to one's supremacy
is expected to give the incumbent a good run for his money
run
adjectiveDefinition 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
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from run
Noun
runless
\
ˈrən-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
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.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Congress should run with Biden’s ambitious plan and create and fully fund ARPA-H to spur innovation and breakthrough research.
—
George Vradenburg, STAT, 29 May 2021
In a letter sent through their lawyer, relatives of Bashir Mohamed Mohamud, 36, question the behavior of police after Mohamud disappeared in an apparent abduction and call for a separate investigation to run concurrently with that of the police.
—
Tom Odula, ajc, 29 May 2021
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity's sister company, recently announced plans to run its first trial cruise with volunteers in June.
—
Maureen O'hare, CNN, 29 May 2021
In a letter sent through their lawyer, relatives of Bashir Mohamed Mohamud, 36, question the behavior of police after Mohamud disappeared in an apparent abduction and call for a separate investigation to run concurrently with that of the police.
—
Tom Odula, Star Tribune, 29 May 2021
Ogunbowale started a 7-0 Wings run with a 3-pointer opening the second quarter, and Dallas came as close as two (31-29) midway through the period.
—
Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2021
Officials said the new commuter rail system would run about 22 hours a day, with service every seven to 10 minutes.
—
Joshua Emerson Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2021
The tournament, which was scheduled for today-Sunday, will now run Friday-Monday with no change to the bracket or game times.
—
Arkansas Online, 27 May 2021
This situation isn’t the only time Westbrook has run into a problem with a fan in Philadelphia.
—
oregonlive, 27 May 2021
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Sophomore fullback D’Shawntae Jones rumbled for an early TD run that began at midfield to start the scrimmage.
—
Matt Goul, cleveland, 31 May 2021
Hopkins will play the Misericordia-Northwestern winner on Monday at 3:30 p.m. After the Blue Jays took a 9-5 lead in the fourth inning, the Eagles (34-11) got an RBI single and forced in another run with a bases-loaded walk to pull within 9-7.
—
Baltimore Sun Staff, baltimoresun.com, 31 May 2021
Bruss plunked Tsistinas to allow Alec Lewis to come home for the winning run.
—
Joe Luciano, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2021
Finally, the Huskies rediscovered their hitting prowess as Chris Brown doubled in a run to tie the score, then RBI hits by Kyler Fedko, Chris Winkel and Christian Fedko eventually gave the Huskies a 5-1 lead.
—
Dom Amore, courant.com, 30 May 2021
Matt Olson worked an eight-pitch walk to force in a run.
—
Matt Kawahara, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 May 2021
Blackmon led off the eighth with a double before Kyle Crick walked in a run with two out.
—
Wes Crosby, Star Tribune, 30 May 2021
Blackmon led off the eighth with a double before Kyle Crick walked in a run with two out.
—
Wes Crosby, ajc, 30 May 2021
He was refreshed and ready for one final run at a ring with Zion Williamson.
—
Christopher Dodson, Forbes, 30 May 2021
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
This 2-minute post-run stretch routine, courtesy of Schwabe, does just that.
—
SELF, 2 May 2021
From muscle recovery to weight loss to fueling for a long training cycle, your post-run food choices have immediate and long-term effects.
—
Lizzy Briskin, chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2021
Runners are also encouraged to bring their own water, as there will not be a station along the route, and post-run snacks will be pre-packaged.
—
Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2020
Runners are also encouraged to bring their own water, as there will not be a station along the route, and post-run snacks will be pre-packaged.
—
Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2020
Runners are also encouraged to bring their own water, as there will not be a station along the route, and post-run snacks will be pre-packaged.
—
Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2020
Runners are also encouraged to bring their own water, as there will not be a station along the route, and post-run snacks will be pre-packaged.
—
Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2020
Runners are also encouraged to bring their own water, as there will not be a station along the route, and post-run snacks will be pre-packaged.
—
Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2020
Masks are required, and breaks are frequent, as is post-run ice cream.
—
Rachel Levin, Star Tribune, 4 Dec. 2020
See MoreThese 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.
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Learn More about run
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
9 Idioms from American Football
9 Idioms from American Football
Tackle these phrases from the gridiron.
Dictionary Entries near run
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for run
Last Updated
1 Jun 2021
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run. Accessed 12 Jun. 2021.
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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
nounEnglish 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
run into
run off
run out
run out of
run over
: to leave home secretly without intending to return
: to meet by chance
: to leave in a hurry
1
: to come to an end
Time ran out before I finished.
2
: to become used up
Supplies were running out.
: to use up the available supply of
We ran out of gas.
run
nounKids 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.
\ ˈrən
\
\
ran\
ˈran
\; run; running
\; 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
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
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Time Traveler for run
The first known use of run was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century