run
run
rʌn
ran
British pronunciation
/rʌn/

Definition & Meaning of "run"in English

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

Transitive: to run a business or campaign
to run definition and meaning
example
Examples
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.
2.1

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

Intransitive: to run in a specific manner
example
Examples
The project is running smoothly and on schedule.
The event is running according to the predetermined agenda.
2.2

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

Transitive: to run an experiment or analysis
example
Examples
The scientists plan to run tests on the new medication.
The engineers will run simulations to assess the performance of the design.
2.3

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

Intransitive: to run somewhere
example
Examples
Shakespeare 's Hamlet is running at the local theater this weekend.
The display of vintage cars ran at the convention center last fall.
2.4

to offer educational programs or courses to individuals to participate in

Transitive: to run a program or course
example
Examples
The university runs a variety of online courses for students worldwide.
The organization is running a training program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
03

to go and do something quickly

Intransitive: to run somewhere
example
Examples
I'll have to run out to the car and grab my phone.
She ran down to the corner store to buy some snacks.
3.1

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

Transitive: to run sth to sb | to run sth somewhere
example
Examples
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.
04

to pass in a specific direction

Intransitive: to run to a direction
example
Examples
The wind runs across the open field.
His finger ran along the edge of the book's pages.
4.1

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
Examples
He got a ticket for running a red light.
I do n't advise running red lights; it's dangerous and against the law.
4.2

to move something in a specific direction

Transitive: to run sth somewhere
example
Examples
She ran her fingers through her hair.
He ran a brush over the canvas to create texture.
05

to extend or pass in a specific direction

Intransitive: to run to a direction
example
Examples
The crack in the wall runs from the ceiling to the floor.
The pipeline will run across the entire field.
5.1

to lead something to extend or stretch in a specific direction

Transitive: to run sth to a direction
example
Examples
They ran a wire along the wall to connect the speakers.
They ran a hose from the water source to the garden.
06

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

Transitive: to run a machine
example
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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

Dialectbritish flagBritish
Transitive: to run a vehicle
example
Examples
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]
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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 melt a substance, usually metal, and pour it into a mold so it takes a defined shape as it cools and solidifies

Transitive: to run sth
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
" 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
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
Examples
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]
example
Examples
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
example
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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
Examples
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.
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
Examples
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 loosened, torn, or unraveled threads in a fabric, often seen in tights or stockings

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
ladderbritish flagBritish
run definition and meaning
example
Examples
She noticed a run in her stocking.
A snag caused a long run down the fabric.
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
Examples
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 or scheduled journey, trip, or service

example
Examples
The bus makes three runs each day.
He takes the same run to work every morning.
05

a short journey or trip, often informal or brief

example
Examples
I went on a quick run to the store.
He made a run downtown before lunch.
06

an act of trying out, testing, or evaluating something

example
Examples
The engineers performed a run of the new software.
He did a run of the prototype to check its performance.
07

an unbroken sequence or series of events, performances, or items in chronological order

example
Examples
The store recorded a run of sales successes.
She enjoyed a winning run in the tournament.
08

the flow or movement of a liquid as it pours or spreads

example
Examples
A run of water escaped from the broken pipe.
She noticed a run of paint down the wall.
09

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

example
Examples
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 campaign in which candidates compete for elected office

example
Examples
She announced her run for mayor.
The senator 's run was closely watched by the media.
11

an uninterrupted series of events, performances, or outcomes

example
Examples
The team enjoyed a winning run of five games.
The show had a long run at the theater.
12

the output or production achieved during a continuous operating period of a machine, factory, or process

example
Examples
The factory completed a run of 500 units.
Quality checks are done at the end of each production run.
13

unrestricted freedom to act, move, or use something as desired

example
Examples
The children had free run of the playground.
He gave the interns run of the laboratory.
14

the continuous period during which a machine, factory, or system operates without stopping

example
Examples
The assembly line completed a full run without interruption.
Maintenance checks are done after each run.
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