3
a
: incessant, continuous
a running battle
b
: made during the course of a process or activity
a running commentary on the game
4
: measured in a straight line
cost of lumber per running foot
5
a
: initiated or performed while running or with a running start
a running catch
a running jump
b
: of, relating to, or being a football play in which the ball is advanced by running rather than by passing
their running game was off
c
: designed for use by runners
a running track
running shoes
6
: fitted or trained for running rather than walking, trotting, or jumping
a running horse
: in succession : consecutively
three days running
Examples of running in a Sentence
Noun
He took up running for exercise.
They go running every evening.
Adjective
Never add fuel to a running engine.
The farmer had a running battle with pests and disease.
The major television stations provided running commentaries on the election results.
She kept a running total of their expenses on the trip.
Adverb
He has won the competition three times running.
he won the championship five times running
Recent Examples on the Web
Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
If possible, remove the garment and immediately flush the stain with cool running water, which will keep the stain from drying and setting into the fabric.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
David Ubben, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
Even if a ten-team league were to nail the top-20 running backs in 2024, which is nearly impossible given the volatility of the position group, the difference between the rankings of these top-20 is drastic.
—Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for running
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Noun
According to sources at Valdebebas, the teenager has impressed with his energy, tireless running, constant offering for the ball and strong personality.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
If possible, remove the garment and immediately flush the stain with cool running water, which will keep the stain from drying and setting into the fabric.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Another had six offensive linemen looking to create holes for the running game, which had runs of 9, 8 and 8 yards on the opening drive.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
Even if a ten-team league were to nail the top-20 running backs in 2024, which is nearly impossible given the volatility of the position group, the difference between the rankings of these top-20 is drastic.
—Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for running
Cite this Entry
“Running.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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