runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrə-nē How to pronounce runny (audio)
Synonyms of runnynext
: having a tendency to run: such as
a
: extremely or excessively soft and liquid
a runny dough
b
: secreting a thin flow of mucus
a runny nose

Examples of runny in a Sentence

The scrambled eggs are runny. The pudding is runnier than I like it. a little boy with a runny nose My eyes felt itchy and runny.
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.
The paintball-like munitions burst open into a thin cloud of PAVA, which causes runny eyes and breathing trouble, said Dennison, who has felt the sting himself. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026 Meth has traditionally been made from ephedrine and pseudoephedrine — substances that can be found in over-the-counter cold medications that address nasal congestion and runny noses, said Terry Church, director of the Institute for Addiction Sciences Education Committee at USC. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026 That includes coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, congestion, itchy throat or nose, headaches, nausea, fatigue, asthma attacks and hay-fever-style allergic reactions. Ryan Brennan may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026 This results in itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion and nasal passage itching. Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for runny

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of runny was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runny. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

runny

adjective
run·​ny ˈrən-ē How to pronounce runny (audio)
runnier; runniest
1
: too soft and liquid
the scrambled eggs are runny
2
: giving off a liquid
a runny nose

Medical Definition

runny

adjective
run·​ny ˈrən-ē How to pronounce runny (audio)
: secreting a thin flow of mucus
a runny nose

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