runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrə-nē 

: 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

Synonyms of runny

• thin
• soupy
• watery
• thinned
• wet

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

Anyone who believes they were exposed and exhibits measles symptoms such as cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, fever or rash should contact their healthcare provider and the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-578-8062. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Bubble gel and cream masks can vary in texture, with some formulas being thin and runny and others having a thick, cream-like consistency. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

While other skin tints are made thick and rich like a moisturizer, this one is most comparable to a runny serum. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Measles symptoms typically start a week to two weeks after infection with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. — Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for runny

• bunny
• funny
• gunny
• honey
• money
• sonny
• sunny
• tunny

Kids Definition

runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrən-ē 

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 

: secreting a thin flow of mucus

a runny nose