runoff

1 of 2

noun

run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf How to pronounce runoff (audio)
1
: a final race, contest, or election to decide an earlier one that has not resulted in a decision in favor of any one competitor
2
: the portion of precipitation on land that ultimately reaches streams often with dissolved or suspended material

run off

2 of 2

verb

ran off; run off; running off; runs off

transitive verb

1
a
: to recite, compose, or produce rapidly
b
: to cause to be run or played to a finish
c
: to decide (a race) by a runoff
d
2
: to drain off : draw off
3
a
: to drive off (someone, such as a trespasser)
b
: to steal (animals, such as cattle) by driving away

see also run off with

Examples of runoff in a Sentence

Verb the dog often ran off cats and other animals that had intruded upon his owner's property their rebellious daughter's run off because she was disciplined again
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The May 21 runoff in California’s 20th Congressional District will decide between two Republicans — Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 14 May 2024 By the time Ecuador’s current president, Daniel Noboa, was elected in a runoff, the country had suffered months of political turmoil, including the assassination of a presidential candidate in broad daylight on the streets of central Quito. Michael Snyder Ana Topoleanu, New York Times, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for runoff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'runoff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of runoff was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near runoff

Cite this Entry

“Runoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runoff. Accessed 17 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

runoff

1 of 2 noun
run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf How to pronounce runoff (audio)
1
: a final contest or election to decide an earlier one that has not given the victory to one competitor
2
: water from rain or snow that flows over the surface of the ground and finally into streams

run off

2 of 2 verb
ˈrən-ˈȯf,
ˌrən-
1
: to produce rapidly
2
: to decide by a runoff
3
: to drive away
4

More from Merriam-Webster on runoff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!