run-up

noun \ ˈrən-ˌəp \

|Updated on: 14 Jul 2018

Definition of run-up

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

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First Known Use of run-up

1897

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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run up

verb

Definition of run 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

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Recent Examples of run up from the Web

The suspect ran up a freeway embankment toward the medical plaza on the east side of the UCSD campus, where he was arrested by San Diego officers.

— alex riggins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Bus stabbing sends victim to hospital with life-threatening injuries, ends in arrest," 11 July 2018
Queen Creek Casteel ran up a hill before sun broke in Southern California.

— richard obert, azcentral, "Scenes from Arizona high school football preseason camps," 10 July 2018
Almirola ran up front for much of the race before ending up on the wrecker after a crash.

— edgar thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Patriotism gets big boost at Daytona," 8 July 2018
The Marlins ran up Miami Monsignor Pace alum Gio Gonzalez’s pitch count to 114 through five innings.

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "Miami Marlins suffer different kind of pain two days in a row in losses to Nationals," 6 July 2018
Outsourcing ran up against technological limitations.

— The Economist, "Run, TaskRabbit, run: July 2030," 5 July 2018
The South ran up a 5-0 lead and took a 6-2 advantage into halftime, but the North regrouped and steadily climbed back into the game.

— katherine dunn, baltimoresun.com, "Jenner's draw leads to Bakes' OT winner in South's 10-9 victory in girls Under Armour All-America Lacrosse Game," 1 July 2018
Young, also just in shorts during a very warm afternoon, ran up and down the street, giving fans high-fives.

— Washington Post, "Oakland again celebrates NBA champion Warriors," 12 June 2018
So, when Fabio Grosso curled home a beautiful opener, the jubilant scenes were understandable; even Gianluigi Buffon ran up from his goal to get involved.

— SI.com, "7 of the Most Euphoric Moments in World Cup History," 31 May 2018

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.

First Known Use of run up

14th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

RUN-UP Defined for English Language Learners

run-up

noun

Definition of run-up for English Language Learners

: a usually sudden increase in price
: the period immediately before an action or event

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run up

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