run-up

noun

\ ˈrən-ˌəp

How to pronounce run-up (audio)

\

Definition of run-up

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb

ran up; run up; running up; runs up

Definition of run up (Entry 2 of 2)

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: Verb In parts of the country that typically get freezing temperatures, walls are built thicker and with more insulation, and pipes may be several feet underground or run up through a basement to protect them, Abrams said. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "Water pipes cracked by ice will flood buildings across Texas, and experts fear the damage will be as bad as a hurricane," 19 Feb. 2021 Ramsey said the run up to Central Catholic’s hybrid reopening required her to manage parent and student expectations of what the classroom experience would look like in the midst of the pandemic. — oregonlive, "As Portland-area districts plan to reopen elementary grades, high schools left behind," 6 Feb. 2021 Even the half-version of the event is known to be draining for mushers, who run up hills alongside their dogs in the freezing cold on little sleep. — Katie Galioto, Star Tribune, "Minnesotan joins his mom in Beargrease Marathon: 'She just told me to race my own race'," 5 Feb. 2021 The thing about racking up mountains of debt is that the ones who run up the tab are rarely the ones who pay the bill. — Bernhard Warner, Fortune, "Global stocks falter as COVID deaths and tonight’s presidential debate take center stage," 29 Sep. 2020 While the packages, which run up to about $105, don't provide a huge source of income for Oasis, Drollinger said, it's been enough to help the club keep its lights on. — Mallory Hughes, CNN, "With their club closed, these drag queens are delivering dinner and a show right to your door," 6 Sep. 2020 The menu is quite affordable, Cook-Bradley said: regular coffees are $2-$3, and specials run up to $6. — Dahlia Ghabour, The Courier-Journal, "This Black-owned coffee shop in Buechel serves affordable coffee, treats and cozy vibes," 26 Oct. 2020 When Jackie Gonzalez took over as chief executive of Our Kids in September 2014, the agency, which services Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys, was experiencing an influx of more than 400 kids and had run up a deficit of $10.6 million. — USA Today, "Database: Track foster parents and caregivers accused of abuse and neglect," 16 Oct. 2020 Typical cordless units can handle snow up to 13-inches deep and run up to 30 to 45 minutes. — Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Snowblowers for Digging Yourself Out," 9 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'run-up.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about run-up

Dictionary Entries near run-up

Statistics for run-up

Cite this Entry

“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-up. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for run-up

run-up

noun

English Language Learners Definition of run-up

: a usually sudden increase in price

: the period immediately before an action or event

See the full definition for run-up in the English Language Learners Dictionary

WORD OF THE DAY

megillah

Listen to the pronunciation of megillah

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of perdure?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ