runaround

noun

run·​around ˈrə-nə-ˌrau̇nd 

1

: deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request

tired of getting the runaround

2

: matter typeset in shortened measure to run around something (such as a cut)

Examples of runaround in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each prompt, even in the midst of a conversation or chat with GPT-5 will be getting this runaround. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Ray Cook, Invercargill, New Zealand A: This is a classic case of a company giving a customer the runaround. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 23 July 2025

Tell me one thing only please, and don’t give me the runaround. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025

But at the beginning of 11th grade, a change to his mom’s insurance ended her personal care benefit, sending him into a runaround with his county’s Medicaid office in Minnesota. —Leah Fabel, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing runaround

• get the runaround
• give (someone) the runaround

Rhymes for runaround

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound

Kids Definition

runaround

noun

run·​around ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd 

: deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request

Medical Definition

runaround

noun

run·​around ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd 

: a whitlow encircling a fingernail or toenail