runoff

1 of 2

noun

run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf 

1

: a final race, contest, or election to decide an earlier one that has not resulted in a decision in favor of any one competitor

2

: the portion of precipitation on land that ultimately reaches streams often with dissolved or suspended material

run off

2 of 2

verb

ran off; run off; running off; runs off

transitive verb

1

a

: to recite, compose, or produce rapidly

b

: to cause to be run or played to a finish

c

: to decide (a race) by a runoff

d

: carry out

2

: to drain off : draw off

3

a

: to drive off (someone, such as a trespasser)

b

: to steal (animals, such as cattle) by driving away

intransitive verb

: run away sense 1

see also:

run off with

Synonyms of runoff

Verb

• out
• eject
• chase
• cast out
• dismiss
• banish
• kick out

Examples of runoff in a Sentence

Verb

the dog often ran off cats and other animals that had intruded upon his owner's property

their rebellious daughter's run off because she was disciplined again

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Tumultuous term as Atlanta mayor Bottoms was elected mayor in 2017, defeating a fellow city council member in a runoff. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

In the four weeks leading up to the runoff, investors poured roughly $4 billion into EWZ, reflecting growing confidence in a Bolsonaro victory. — Stephanie Link, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

Demby reportedly didn't obey at first, then Raybould said Demby did before running off and leading police on a chase. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Her play The Cake has been produced over 100 times worldwide and ran off-Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for runoff

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

runoff

1 of 2 noun

run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf 

1

: a final contest or election to decide an earlier one that has not given the victory to one competitor

2

: water from rain or snow that flows over the surface of the ground and finally into streams

run off

2 of 2 verb

ˈrən-ˈȯf, 

ˌrən-

1

: to produce rapidly

2

: to decide by a runoff

3

: to drive away

4

: run away sense 1