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

And the approximately 20% run-up in inflation that's occurred since Biden took office — whether directly his fault or not — is likely to linger in voters' minds. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 11 July 2024

Getty Images The recent run-up in home prices, a staggering increase of more than 40% from pre-pandemic levels, should have current homeowners rushing to refinance. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 10 July 2024

Verb

This major vein runs up the right side of your spine and carries blood from your lower body to your uterus. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

Republicans shrug off signs of a blue wave Democrats are running up huge scores in contests for control of state legislatures. —Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

run up

verb

: to cause to pile up : accumulate

ran up a big telephone bill