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 deal comes as both airlines and travelers are grappling with a sharp run-up in jet fuel costs driven by the war in the Middle East, a jump that is already showing up in higher fares and fees across the industry. —ABC News, 13 May 2026

Many cities now experiencing price declines also saw big run-ups in home valuations during the pandemic, such as Austin, Texas. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 May 2026

Verb

The playmaker ran up and down the touchline with a resistance band wrapped around him during the north London derby against Arsenal in Hong Kong and then replaced Pape Matar Sarr for the final few minutes. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 15 May 2026

The fault lied with France, who should not have run up. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026

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