run-up

1 of 2

noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For instance, a strong run-up in equities could lead to an overweight in stocks, increasing overall portfolio risk. True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Then, a surge in inflation, followed by a run-up in interest rates, stretched many small enterprises to their limit. Lydia Depillis, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
Global losses from bot attacks, where scammers run up server costs, range from $68 billion to $116 billion. Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The fan tried to make an escape by running up the aisle, but he was caught and removed from the stadium. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for run-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-up was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-up. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

run up

verb
: to cause to pile up : accumulate
ran up a big telephone bill

More from Merriam-Webster on run-up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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