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
ran up; run up; running up; runs up
: to grow rapidly : shoot up
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
Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
That is far below the spikes in inflation three years ago but still painful for many households after the big run-up since 2020.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025
Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
After the photographer captured a few snaps, Powell ran up behind his soon-to-be bride, greeted her with a kiss, and led her to a sunny spot on the beach before dropping to one knee to pop the question.
—Amy McCarthy, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-up
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Noun
Amid the stock’s run-up, Barra has significantly cut her position in the company.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
That is far below the spikes in inflation three years ago but still painful for many households after the big run-up since 2020.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
Tan carpeting ran up the walls and windows to keep out the sun and any inquisitive eyes.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
After the photographer captured a few snaps, Powell ran up behind his soon-to-be bride, greeted her with a kiss, and led her to a sunny spot on the beach before dropping to one knee to pop the question.
—Amy McCarthy, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-up
Cite this Entry
“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-up. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
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