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.
Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Jan. 2026 Flu symptoms in adults and children come on quick, with symptoms lasting from a few days to two weeks, with fatigue and chills to start, followed by fever, body aches, cough, headache, sore throat, congestion, and runny or stuffy nose, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Lori Comstock, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026 Whipping the whites creates an airy base that bakes while the yolk stays perfectly runny in the center. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026 Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin, according to medical sources. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 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 8 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on runny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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