running time

noun

: the duration of a movie, a theatrical performance, or a recording

Examples of running time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another problem was running time. Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025 The current podcast, whose episodes air Monday through Friday and have a running time of 45 to 60 minutes, will debut on Fox One before being more widely available on other distribution platforms. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 Disney managed to achieve good picture results with its recent 66GB 4K Blu-ray release of Master & Commander: The Far Side Of The World, after all, despite that film having a running time of 138 minutes. John Archer, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Across the generations, most moviegoers say the ideal running time of a movie is just over two hours. Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for running time

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of running time was in 1939

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Running time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20time. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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!