run

verb

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\ 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 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

: 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

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Synonyms for run

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

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 His baskets were the start of a steady, patient 8-0 run that all but erased UCLA’s deficit. — Zach Osterman, The Indianapolis Star, "Johnny Juzang writes his own UCLA legend with incredible March," 31 Mar. 2021 The experience is open next to the new Museum of Illusions building and will run 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through April 3. — Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, "Easter weekend in Orlando: Egg hunts and family-friendly events," 31 Mar. 2021 As demonstrated throughout her career, Bransford can jump center, run the point, post up, deliver a dime and bury a three. — Scott Springer, The Enquirer, "Ohio Ms. Basketball goes to MND junior KK Bransford," 31 Mar. 2021 Under the previous arrangement, in which FEMA was providing support at the Wisconsin Center, city officials said Health Department staff would continue to manage and run the site. — Alison Dirr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Downtown Milwaukee Wisconsin Center will become federal COVID-19 vaccination clinic, ramp up to 3,000 daily doses," 31 Mar. 2021 Indiana failed to score for more than three minutes in the fourth, enough of a drought for Arizona to slightly build on a 54-50 lead and run the clock to under two minutes. — Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, "Arizona women's basketball defeats Indiana to reach first NCAA Final Four," 30 Mar. 2021 The Theatre Building, run for years by Ruth Higgins, Schaeffer’s widow, also produced new musicals under its own New Tuners moniker. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "Big changes coming for the off-Loop theater Stage 773: ‘Willy Wonka meets Burning Man’," 30 Mar. 2021 Tickets for Diana‘s Broadway run, through November 20th, 2022, are on sale now. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, "Princess Diana Musical Plots Broadway Return, Netflix Special," 30 Mar. 2021 Drain into a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking. — BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: For a bright Easter brunch dish, add asparagus and fontina to this golden frittata," 30 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Valley said that Arizona’s run has been magical so far. — Pj Brown, The Arizona Republic, "Connections between Arizona, UConn run deep as teams prepare for Friday's Final Four," 1 Apr. 2021 But the pandemic has meant that some popular programs, like the Run for the Money 5K run/walk, won't return this year. — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, "April brings virtual tips on student loans, housing, more," 1 Apr. 2021 Outside in back is a large dog run, a measurable upgrade from walks around the parking lot at the old place. — John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, "Check out Hamilton County's new $12M Humane Society in Fishers," 1 Apr. 2021 The first home run of the 2021 baseball season belongs to Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, who hit a two-run shot in the first inning against Cleveland. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Opening day live blog: No score through first two innings," 1 Apr. 2021 With the outside world reeling from the COVID-19 crisis and the Alabama crowd distracted by an unbeaten, national championship football run, Oats was building something in the practice gym behind Coleman Coliseum. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "How this Alabama basketball season will be remembered," 31 Mar. 2021 Juventus was at home to Genoa that night, a run-of-the-mill Serie A game. — New York Times, "Soccer Samples Streetwear and Loves the Fit," 31 Mar. 2021 In the late Eighties, the real money in television came not from a show’s original network run, but from having repeats sold into syndication, to be aired at all hours of the day and night on local TV stations around the country. — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, "The Nine Lives of ‘Law & Order’," 31 Mar. 2021 Taylor and Browne’s run becomes one of the first major arena tours to reschedule following the COVID outbreak. — Taylor Mims, Billboard, "James Taylor & Jackson Browne Tour Is Back On: See Rescheduled Dates," 31 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective 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, "What to eat after you run," 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, "With health department approval, annual Drumstick Dash is still on for Thanksgiving Day," 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, "With health department approval, annual Drumstick Dash is still on for Thanksgiving Day," 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, "With health department approval, annual Drumstick Dash is still on for Thanksgiving Day," 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, "With health department approval, annual Drumstick Dash is still on for Thanksgiving Day," 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, "With health department approval, annual Drumstick Dash is still on for Thanksgiving Day," 17 Nov. 2020 Masks are required, and breaks are frequent, as is post-run ice cream. — Rachel Levin, Star Tribune, "Get kids off their screens and on their feet," 4 Dec. 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, "With health department approval, annual Drumstick Dash is still on for Thanksgiving Day," 17 Nov. 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.

History and Etymology for run

Verb

Middle English ronnen, alteration of rinnen, intransitive verb (from Old English iernan, rinnan & Old Norse rinna) & of rennen, transitive verb, from Old Norse renna; akin to Old High German rinnan, intransitive verb, "to run," Sanskrit riṇāti "he causes to flow," and probably to Latin rivus "stream"

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Last Updated

2 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run. Accessed 13 Apr. 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

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

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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

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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

minatory

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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

9 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

minatory

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler

Learn on the go with our Dictionary and Thesaurus

Set your young readers up for lifelong success

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'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?