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

But like, Qualcomm, the stock has run up so fast that the average price target is 23% below where the stock ended the week. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 9 May 2026

But Martin said good doctors focus on prevention, which is best achieved by listening to patients, not trying to run up a bill. —Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 7 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