Definition & Meaning of "run out"

to run out

[phrase form: run]

VERB

(of a supply) to be completely used up

Intransitive

Example

The printer ink ran out, so I ca n’t print these documents.

The gas in my car ran out, so I had to walk to the nearest station.

to use the available supply of something, leaving too little or none

Transitive: to run out of sth

Example

The restaurant unexpectedly ran out of the popular dish.

The small town could run out of medical supplies if not restocked.

(of a liquid or substance) to slowly drain away

Intransitive

Example

The creek slowly ran out, leaving behind a dry, rocky bed during the drought.

She watched as the sand in the hourglass ran out, indicating the end of their allotted time.

(of a document or agreement) to not be valid anymore

Intransitive

Example

Their membership card ran out, meaning they could no longer access the exclusive club.

The lease on the apartment will run out at the end of the month, so we need to start looking for a new place.

to exhaust one's physical or mental energy, reaching a point where one can no longer continue

Intransitive

Transitive: to run out oneself

Example

Do n't run yourself out by doing too much in one day.

The worker ran out near the end of the overtime shift.

to finish the available supply of something

Transitive: to run out a supply or resource

Example

The team ran out their energy, giving their all in the final minutes of the game.

They ran out their resources, utilizing all available means to complete the project.

(of a substance) to spill out of a container or confined space

Intransitive

Example

The sink overflowed, and water ran out, flooding the kitchen.

The container had a leak, and the liquid ran out, staining the table.

to stretch a piece of material or clothing to its maximum length or capacity

Transitive: to run out a stand or band

Example

She ran out the rope to its maximum length to secure the tent in place.

He ran out the string of lights across the patio for a festive ambiance.

Run out

NOUN

(cricket) a batsman being dismissed when when the ball hits the stumps before they reach the crease while running

What is a "run out"?

A run out in cricket occurs when a batter is out because the fielding team successfully hits the stumps with the ball while the batter is attempting to take a run. This can happen if the batter is not back in their crease before the stumps are broken by a throw or direct hit from a fielder. Run outs usually happen when there is a miscommunication between the batters or when one of them is slow to reach the crease. It is one of the ways a batter can be dismissed in the game.

Example

The batsman was run out trying to steal a quick single.

The fielder 's accurate throw led to a run out.