Run
volume
British pronunciation/ɹˈʌn/
American pronunciation/ˈɹən/

Definition & Meaning of "run"

to run
01

to move using our legs, faster than we usually walk, in a way that both feet are never on the ground at the same time

Intransitive: to run | to run somewhere
to run definition and meaning
example
Example
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When he heard the news, he ran home in a hurry.
I had to run to make sure I did n't miss the train.
1.1

to participate in a race

Transitive: to run a race | to run in a race
example
Example
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She decided to run in the marathon this year.
Are you planning to run in the upcoming track meet?
1.2

to escape, often in a sudden or hasty manner

Intransitive: to run | to run somewhere
to run definition and meaning
example
Example
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When they heard the sirens approaching, the suspects decided to run from the scene.
The thief ran when he saw the police.
1.3

to move or travel a specific distance by running

Transitive: to run a distance
example
Example
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He aims to run 10 kilometers every day.
They challenged each other to run a mile as fast as they could.
1.4

to make an animal go quickly by riding or driving it fast

Transitive: to run an animal
example
Example
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The cowboy skillfully ran his horse across the open plains.
She ran her sled dogs through the snow-covered trails in the winter race.
1.5

to run for doing exercise or as a sport

Intransitive
example
Example
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As part of his training routine, the athlete runs several miles each day.
She used to run regularly during her college years to stay in shape.
1.6

(of a race) to happen or take place

Intransitive
example
Example
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The marathon is scheduled to run next Sunday.
The race will run even if there's a delay due to technical issues.
1.7

to enter a participant into a racing event or competition

Transitive: to run a participant in a race
example
Example
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The trainer decided to run their fastest racehorse in the upcoming derby.
She 's excited to run her team in the relay race at the track meet next week.
02

to go and do something quickly

Intransitive: to run somewhere
example
Example
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I'll have to run out to the car and grab my phone.
She ran down to the corner store to buy some snacks.
2.1

to quickly deliver something to a person situated at a particular location

Transitive: to run sth to sb | to run sth somewhere
example
Example
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Could you please run this document to the manager's office?
He hurried to run the keys to his colleague who had forgotten them at home.
03

to pass in a specific direction

Intransitive: to run to a direction
example
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The wind runs across the open field.
His finger ran along the edge of the book's pages.
3.1

to continue moving forward without stopping when there is an obstacle such as a red light or blockade

Transitive: to run an obstacle or sign
example
Example
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He got a ticket for running a red light.
I do n't advise running red lights; it's dangerous and against the law.
3.2

to move something in a specific direction

Transitive: to run sth somewhere
example
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She ran her fingers through her hair.
He ran a brush over the canvas to create texture.
04

to extend or pass in a specific direction

Intransitive: to run to a direction
example
Example
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The crack in the wall runs from the ceiling to the floor.
The pipeline will run across the entire field.
4.1

to lead something to extend or stretch in a specific direction

Transitive: to run sth to a direction
example
Example
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They ran a wire along the wall to connect the speakers.
They ran a hose from the water source to the garden.
05

to own, manage, or organize something such as a business, campaign, a group of animals, etc.

Transitive: to run a business or campaign
example
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She ran the family farm, overseeing the planting, harvesting, and sales of their crops.
He ran a successful bakery that was known for its delicious pastries.
5.1

(of plans, systems, or organizations) to function or progress in a certain way

Intransitive: to run in a specific manner
example
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The project is running smoothly and on schedule.
The event is running according to the predetermined agenda.
5.2

to carry out or perform a test, experiment, or similar activity

Transitive: to run an experiment or analysis
example
Example
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The scientists plan to run tests on the new medication.
The engineers will run simulations to assess the performance of the design.
5.3

(of an exhibit or play) to be presented or performed

Intransitive: to run somewhere
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Shakespeare 's Hamlet is running at the local theater this weekend.
The display of vintage cars ran at the convention center last fall.
5.4

to offer educational programs or courses to individuals to participate in

Transitive: to run a program or course
example
Example
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The university runs a variety of online courses for students worldwide.
The organization is running a training program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
06

to cause engines or machines to operate, function, or perform their designated tasks

Transitive: to run a machine
example
Example
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He ran the washing machine to clean his clothes.
Can you run the generator to provide electricity for the event?
6.1

(of engines or machines) to operate, function, or perform their designated tasks

Intransitive
to run definition and meaning
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The car 's engine is running smoothly.
The washing machine is currently running.
07

(of a tape) to actively record an audio or video content

Intransitive
example
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They captured the live performance while the tape was running.
The singer started singing as soon as the tape began running.
7.1

to play a recorded audio or video

Transitive: to run a recorded audio or video
example
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She ran a movie on the projector for the audience.
He ran a podcast episode during the long car ride.
7.2

(of a recording) to be playing

Intransitive
example
Example
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I left the TV on, and a show was running when I got back.
The movie is running on the big screen tonight.
7.3

to cause a tape to move in either a backward or forward direction

Complex Transitive: to run sth in a specific manner
example
Example
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He ran the tape forward to find the specific scene.
She quickly ran the tape forward to skip the ads.
7.4

(of a tape or recording device) to move backward or forward for the purpose of review or locating specific content

example
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The cassette runs forward to the next track.
By pressing a button, the tape runs backward for rewinding.
08

(of computer programs) to function and execute its tasks

Intransitive: to run | to run point in time | to run in a specific manner
example
Example
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The computer system administrator scheduled the maintenance task to run during off-peak hours.
The game runs smoothly on high-end graphics cards.
8.1

to cause a program to function and execute its tasks

Transitive: to run a computer program
example
Example
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I need to run the antivirus software to scan for viruses.
Make sure to run the software compatibility test before upgrading.
09

(of means of transportation) to make a scheduled and regular journey along a specific route

Intransitive: to run | to run somewhere
example
Example
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Ferries run between the islands year-round.
The shuttle bus runs from the hotel to the airport every hour.
9.1

to initiate and make a particular mode of transportation available for public use

Transitive: to run a mode of transportation somewhere
example
Example
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They plan to run shuttle buses to the concert venue from the parking lot.
The company announced they will run ferries between the two islands.
9.2

to take someone to a particular place by a vehicle

Transitive: to run sb somewhere
example
Example
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Can you run me to the airport tomorrow morning?
My brother offered to run me to the doctor's office.
10

to have, maintain, and drive a vehicle

Transitive: to run a vehicle
example
Example
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He 's considering running a motorbike for his daily commute.
They run a camper van for family vacations.
11

to change in a certain manner, particularly not a good one

Linking Verb: to run [adj]
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Example
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My patience is running thin.
Her enthusiasm ran cold when she heard the news.
11.1

to be at or close to a specific amount, level, size, etc.

example
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Gas prices are running at around $ 4 a gallon this month.
The marathon runner 's time for the race ran just under 3 hours.
12

to take place or happen with a delay or lateness compared to the planned time

Linking Verb: to run [adj]
example
Example
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The train was running behind schedule due to maintenance work.
The concert started running late because of technical issues.
13

to include everything within specific boundaries

example
Example
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The menu options at the restaurant run from spicy to mild.
The available shirt sizes run from small to extra-large.
14

(of liquids) to flow

Intransitive: to run somewhere
example
Example
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The river runs through the valley.
The stream runs into the lake.
14.1

(of solid material) to melt or transform into fluid

Intransitive
example
Example
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The chocolate bar left in the sun began to run and become gooey.
The sun made the butter on the table run.
14.2

to liquefy a material, typically a metal, and then pour it into a mold to give it a specific shape as it cools and solidifies

Transitive: to run sth
example
Example
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Ceramic molds were used to run commemorative coins.
The foundry will run new ingots of aluminum today.
14.3

(of a liquid or color) to unintentionally flow or spread onto an unintended area

Intransitive
example
Example
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The ink ran on the wet paper.
The tears caused the mascara to run.
14.4

to cause a liquid to flow

Transitive: to run water or water delivery tools
example
Example
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He ran a stream of cold water over the hot pan to cool it down.
He ran the hose to fill the pool with water.
14.5

(with reference to color or colorant in a piece of clothing or paper) to lose color when becoming wet and to spread that color to other pieces of clothing, etc.

Intransitive
example
Example
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The red shirt ran in the wash and turned my white socks pink.
Be careful when washing that dress, the dye might run and ruin the other clothes.
14.6

to release or discharge a liquid

Intransitive
example
Example
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She felt a cold coming on as her nose started to run.
The spicy food caused my nose to run.
14.7

to fill a bathtub with water

Transitive: to run a bath
example
Example
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After a long day, she decided to run a warm bath to relax.
The kids were excited to have their bath, so they asked their mom to run it for them.
14.8

to cause water to flow over or along a surface

Transitive: to run sth under water
example
Example
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The chef ran the vegetables under cold water to rinse off any dirt.
She ran the vase under the faucet to wash away the dust.
14.9

(of a tap) to flow with water

Intransitive
example
Example
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I left the faucet running while washing the dishes, and now the sink is overflowing.
The tap in the kitchen was left running, causing a small puddle on the counter.
14.10

to operate or open a tap, causing water to flow out of it

Transitive: to run a tap
example
Example
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I need to run the tap to fill up this pot with water for cooking.
She ran the tap to rinse off the soap from her hands.
14.11

to be thoroughly filled or soaked with a specific substance

Transitive: to run a liquid | to run with a liquid
example
Example
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After the heavy rain, the streets ran with water, causing flooding in low-lying areas.
After the paint spill, the floor ran with a thick, sticky layer.
15

to continue over a certain period of time

Intransitive: to run sometime
example
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The class runs for an hour every day.
The conference ran for three hours and covered multiple topics.
15.1

to start or continue to function or be valid

Intransitive: to run sometime
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Example
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The warranty on the appliance will run for two years from the date of purchase.
The contract with the supplier is set to run for another two years.
16

(with reference to a newspaper, magazine, story, etc.) to print and publish

Transitive: to run written material
example
Example
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The newspaper ran an article about the upcoming event.
The magazine ran a feature on healthy eating.
16.1

(with reference to a story, conversation, saying, text, etc.) to have a particular content or wording

Transitive: to run that | to run a quote
example
Example
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" New Drug Offers Hope for Cancer Patients, " ran the front-page headline.
" Controversial Decision Sparks Debate, " ran the news article's title.
16.2

(of a story, etc.) to be published in a magazine, newspaper, etc.

Intransitive
example
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Her article ran in the local newspaper last week.
The story ran as the cover feature in the latest issue.
17

to navigate or travel through rapids or a waterfall in a boat

Transitive: to run a rapid or a waterfall
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The experienced kayakers decided to run the challenging waterfall.
They cautiously approached the rapid, planning to run it skillfully.
17.1

to sail a boat or ship in a direction aligned with the wind, allowing it to move swiftly and smoothly

Intransitive
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During the regatta, skilled sailors strategically decided when to run.
The experienced sailor knew it was the perfect time to run when the wind direction favored a smooth and swift journey.
18

(of the sea, tide, or river) to rise to a higher level or flow with increased speed

Intransitive: to run in a specific manner
example
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As the storm approached, the tide began to run higher, causing concern among the sailors.
The strong winds made the sea run with powerful waves, creating challenging conditions for the sailors.
19

to cost someone a particular amount of money

example
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The new computer setup might run you around $ 1500.
The vacation expenses ended up running him more than he expected.
19.1

to let charges on a bill increase over time without paying them immediately

Transitive: to run a bill
example
Example
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Some people prefer to run their bills for a while to gather rewards points before settling the amount.
She ran a tab at the restaurant, so she could enjoy her meal without worrying about the bill immediately.
20

(with reference to a pair of tights or a stocking) to develop a long thin hole

Intransitive
example
Example
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My tights ran when I accidentally caught them on a nail.
Be careful not to snag your tights, or they might run.
21

(of wild animals) to pursue or chase a target prey during a hunt

Transitive: to run prey
example
Example
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When hunting, wild dogs run their prey at high speed over long distances.
A pack of wolves ran the moose deep into the forest before bringing it down.
22

to accompany or associate closely with a specific group, people, or animals

Intransitive: to run with sb/sth
example
Example
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She decided to run with a new crowd after moving to the city to pursue her career.
In the business world, it's important to run with experienced entrepreneurs to learn valuable insights.
23

to advance while carrying the ball, typically in sports such as football, soccer, or rugby

Transitive: to run sth
example
Example
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The quarterback decided to run the ball instead of passing it.
He ran the kick return to the 50-yard line.
23.1

to make a golf ball move on the ground after hitting it

Intransitive: to run somewhere | to run to a direction
example
Example
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After the golfer 's swing, the ball ran smoothly across the green and settled near the hole.
She aimed carefully, hit the ball, and watched it run towards the fairway.
24

to take goods in or out a country in an illegal way

Transitive: to run illegal goods somewhere
example
Example
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She ran drugs into the country to sell.
Customs caught a group of smugglers trying to run illegal goods across the border.
25

to achieve a consecutive series of successes or counts

Transitive: to run a series of successes
example
Example
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The player managed to run a sequence of ten successful shots in a row.
In the game of darts, he ran five bullseyes in a row.
26

to allow or lead animals eat grass or vegetation in a designated area with plenty of plants

Transitive: to run animals
example
Example
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The farmer runs his cows in the field so they can eat the grass.
They ran the sheep in the meadow for their daily meals.
27

to alter or improve the properties of a substance or material, often through a mechanical or chemical process

Transitive: to run a substance in a process or machine
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Example
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They run sugar in a refinery to make it pure.
They run juice in a press to extract fresh fruit flavors.
28

to be consistently present or recurring, often as a trait or characteristic within a particular group or context

Transitive: to run in a person or bloodline | to run among a group of people
example
Example
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Creativity runs in the team.
Artistic creativity runs in her bloodline; her ancestors were renowned painters.
28.1

to tend to have or exhibit a particular quality or feature

Transitive: to run to a quality or feature | to run toward a quality or feature
example
Example
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They run to creativity in that group of friends.
Our family tends to run to tall individuals.
29

(with reference to cricket and baseball) to quickly move between bases or wickets, typically in response to a successful hit or play

example
Example
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The runner on second base advanced to third as the batter ran to first.
The players exchanged ends after running between the wickets.
30

(of fish) to migrate or move in significant numbers within a river, particularly for the purpose of spawning

Transitive: to run an area
Intransitive: to run
example
Example
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Migratory fish like smelt massively run tributaries each year for reproduction.
Catfish, carp and suckers annually run inland waterways on spawning drives.
31

to move smoothly and efficiently, as if on wheels or rollers

Intransitive: to run in a specific manner
example
Example
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The file drawers ran smoothly on their ball bearings, making it easy to access the files.
The car 's wheels ran effortlessly on the highway, providing a smooth ride for the passengers.
32

(of information, rumors, ideas, etc.) to be widely or commonly known, discussed, or spread among people

Intransitive: to run in a specific manner
example
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The news quickly ran through the school that classes were canceled.
In the small town, gossip ran like wildfire, spreading the latest scandal in no time.
33

to be inherent or connected to a particular condition, property, or situation, often implying that it cannot be separated

Transitive: to run with a condition or property
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The water rights for the property run with the land, ensuring the new owner's access to the river.
The easement allowing access to the beach runs with the property, granting all future owners the same privilege.
34

to follow a specific sequence or arrangement

example
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In the alphabet, the letters run from A to Z.
The numbers on the clock run clockwise from 1 to 12.
35

to occupy or hold a specific rank or standing in a race or competition

Linking Verb: to run [adj]
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Example
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She currently runs first in the marathon, leading the pack of runners.
In the chess tournament, he aims to run second by the end of the day.
36

to track or investigate the origin or source of a particular item, information, rumor, or situation

Transitive: to run the origin of something
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She ran the history of the ancient artifact to its original discoverer.
The detective ran the criminal's steps back to the scene of the crime.
37

to insert or drive an object into a surface or substance

Transitive: to run sth into a surface or substance
example
Example
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I ran a hook into my fishing line to catch some bait.
While playing in the woods, she ran a thorn into her finger.
37.1

to pass a needle and thread through a material or surface in a continuous manner

Transitive: to run a stitch
example
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She ran a neat seam along the edge of the fabric to create a finished look.
The surgeon skillfully ran stitches to close the wound after the surgery.
38

to update or modify a record, tally, or count by including new information or data

Transitive: to run a record or tally to a total
example
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After the latest victory, he ran his winning streak to eight games in a row.
She ran her savings account balance to a thousand dollars by depositing her birthday money.
39

(with reference to baseball) to remove or eject a manager, coach, or player from a game as a punishment

Transitive: to run a baseball coach or player
example
Example
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The umpire had to run the irate coach for arguing a close call.
The player 's heated argument with the official led to him being run from the game.
40

(of a train) to travel along a track on wheels, carrying passengers or goods

Intransitive
example
Example
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The train runs through the countryside every morning, stopping at several stations along the way.
Yesterday, the train ran smoothly despite the stormy weather that disrupted other modes of transportation.
41

(of a bus, train, etc.) to operate or travel on a regular schedule to transport passengers

Intransitive: to run point in time
Transitive: to run public transportation point in time
example
Example
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They run trains every 30 minutes to the city center.
The bus runs every 15 minutes during rush hour.
Run
01

the act of moving on foot at a fast pace, often faster than walking, as a form of exercise or to travel a distance quickly

run definition and meaning
example
Example
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His daily run helps him stay fit and focused.
The marathon is a challenging 10-kilometer run through the city.
02

a long line or row of loose or torn threads or fibers in a fabric, such as tights or stockings

run definition and meaning
03

a score resulted from a player successfully reaches home plate after touching all the bases in order without being put out

What is a "run"?

A run in baseball or softball is when a player successfully reaches home plate after moving around the bases. This is the main way a team scores points. To score a run, the player must touch each of the four bases in order, starting from home plate, and then return to home plate. A run is counted every time a player makes it back to home plate without being put out by the other team. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.

example
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The runner 's speed allowed him to score a run from first base on a double.
She crossed the plate to score the winning run in the ninth inning.
04

a regular trip

05

a short trip

06

the act of testing something

07

an unbroken chronological sequence

08

the pouring forth of a fluid

09

a race where participants move swiftly on foot to reach a specific distance or finish line

example
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She trained for months for the 5 K charity run in her community.
The school organized a fun run to promote fitness among students and staff.
10

a race between candidates for elective office

11

an unbroken series of events

12

the production achieved during a continuous period of operation (of a machine or factory etc.)

13

unrestricted freedom to use

14

the continuous period of time during which something (a machine or a factory) operates or continues in operation

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