runoff

1 of 2

noun

run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf 

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

: carry out

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

intransitive verb

: run away sense 1

see also run off with

Synonyms

Verb

• out
• eject
• chase
• dismiss
• cast out
• banish
• kick out

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

Marble dust and runoff from the mining process contaminates waterways and damages the land. —Meara Sharma, The Dial, 22 July 2025

The park’s rules forbid touching the pools or runoff, and swimming or soaking yourself is absolutely forbidden. —Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 21 July 2025

Verb

Ben dominated the second match, running off 11 unanswered after going 0-6 down by essentially playing 2-on-1. —Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

The Sox added another four runs off Imanaga’s replacement, Chris Flexen, who started for their cursed 2024 team. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 26 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for runoff

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

runoff

1 of 2 noun

run·​off ˈrən-ˌȯf 

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

: run away sense 1