1
: the act of running up something
2
: a usually sudden increase in volume or price
3
: a period immediately preceding an action or event
ran up; run up; running up; runs up
: to grow rapidly : shoot up
1
: bid up
2
: to stitch together quickly
3
: to erect hastily
4
: to achieve by accumulating
ran up a big lead
Examples of run-up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Matt Ward-Perkins, CNBC, 14 July 2025
The growth of pet insurance coincides with a steep run-up in the costs of pet services — from grooming and kenneling to veterinary visits — relative to goods like food, leashes and toys.
—Evie Steele, NBC news, 9 July 2025
Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
According to investigators with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a man ran up to Watson, shot him, and then fled on foot.
—Kathy Laskowski, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-up
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Noun
Earnings season will also pose a key test to the sector after a rapid run-up in valuations.
—Matt Ward-Perkins, CNBC, 14 July 2025
The growth of pet insurance coincides with a steep run-up in the costs of pet services — from grooming and kenneling to veterinary visits — relative to goods like food, leashes and toys.
—Evie Steele, NBC news, 9 July 2025
Verb
Another of Raleigh's sons, Kyle, ran up, and punched Morrow in the head before pinning him to the pavement.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
According to investigators with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a man ran up to Watson, shot him, and then fled on foot.
—Kathy Laskowski, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for run-up
Cite this Entry
“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-up. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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