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

Paramount Skydance slipped as well after a massive run-up approaching meme stock status over the past few weeks. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2025

But in that game’s run-up, the Chargers lost standout left tackle Rashawn Slater (knee) for the season, which gave them pause in exposing Herbert with a makeshift line protecting him. —Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Verb

Bill Belichick’s coaching debut in college football began with a roaring start, but came crashing down as TCU ran up the score on his UNC Tar Heels, 48-14, on Monday night. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The driver crashed into four other vehicles in Malibu, then jumped out and ran up a hillside into a nearby neighborhood, where California Highway Patrol officers arrested him, deputies said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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