runaway

1 of 3

noun

run·​away ˈrə-nə-ˌwā 

1

: one that runs away from danger, duty, or restraint : fugitive

especially : a child who leaves home without permission

2

: the act of running away out of control

also : something (such as a horse) that is running out of control

3

: a one-sided or overwhelming victory

runaway

2 of 3

adjective

1

a

: running away : fugitive

b

: leaving to gain special advantages (such as lower wages) or avoid disadvantages (such as governmental or union restrictions)

runaway shipping firms

a runaway shop

2

: accomplished by elopement or during flight

3

: won by or having a long lead

a runaway success

also : extremely successful

a runaway bestseller

4

: subject to uncontrolled changes

runaway inflation

5

: being or operating out of control

a runaway oil well

a runaway nuclear reactor

run away

3 of 3

verb

ran away; run away; running away; runs away

intransitive verb

1

a

: to leave quickly in order to avoid or escape something

b

: to leave home

specifically : elope

2

: to run out of control : stampede, bolt

3

: to gain a substantial lead : win by a large margin

see also run away with

Synonyms of runaway

Adjective

• rampant
• uncontrolled

Verb

• escape
• flee
• run off
• fly
• get out

Examples of runaway in a Sentence

Adjective

The play was a runaway success.

a region plagued by runaway suburban sprawl

Verb

ran away from an unhappy marriage

the child runs away from large dogs

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kidnappings and abductions of this sort—high profile, with a possible ransom—are relatively rare in the United States; missing persons reports more often involve runaways or parental abductions in custody cases. —Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026

In late July 2024, the girl was reported as a runaway to the Arlington Police Department, according to court documents. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Alexander-Walker was excellent even in defeat Monday, finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in Minnesota’s runaway victory. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2026

Andrew Mullen and Jake Vigeant each scored their second goal in a runaway third period for Dracut/Tyngsboro, sealing a 7-1 rout of Grafton that saw five different players score. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026

Verb

Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and run away without firing a shot. —David Fischer The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026

Surveillance footage obtained during an investigation by Lakewood Police captured the two running away to a nearby building as the flames grew, then ultimately using public transportation to leave the premises. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runaway

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

runaway

1 of 3 noun

run·​away ˈrən-ə-ˌwā 

1

: a person who runs away : fugitive

2

: the act of running away out of control

also : something (as a horse) that is running out of control

runaway

2 of 3 adjective

1

: running away : fugitive

2

: being out of control

run away

3 of 3 verb

ˌrən-ə-ˈwā

1

: to leave in a hurry especially to escape from danger or confinement

2

: to leave home