run
en
en
Change language
Translating...
/rʌn/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A sustained action or period of activity that may involve moving quickly, operating something, or continuing over time.
Examples
I enjoy a long run on Sundays.
She noticed a run in her stocking.
He runs a small business using accounting software.
The run caused the fabric to unravel.
He set a new record in the run.
Similar words
operate
activate
rivulet
execute
race
lead
trigger
start
jog
abscond
Meanings
Examples
When the fire started, they ran out of the building.
The thief ran when the police arrived.
She ran away from the argument.
He ran for his life after the explosion.
The animals ran into the forest to hide.
I ran from the angry crowd.
They ran to the nearest exit.
Similar words
flee
escape
bolt
dash away
take off
get away
scram
abscond
Examples
Please run the program before the meeting.
She ran the script to test the code.
The server runs 24 hours a day.
You need to run the update after installation.
He runs a small business using accounting software.
We will run the simulation tomorrow.
The app runs smoothly on my phone.
Similar words
start
execute
launch
operate
initiate
boot
trigger
activate
Examples
The committee runs the annual conference.
She ran the charity fundraiser last year.
He runs a small tech startup.
We will run the workshop on Friday.
They run the daily stand-up meeting.
Our department runs several research projects.
The manager runs the shift schedule.
Similar words
manage
conduct
oversee
direct
operate
lead
supervise
administer
Examples
She decided to run for mayor.
He will run in the upcoming primary.
They ran as independents last year.
The party asked her to run again.
Many young people run for local council.
He announced he would run for parliament.
The incumbent chose not to run this time.
Similar words
contest
campaign
vie
seek office
stand
enter
Examples
He went for a quick run before breakfast.
Her morning run lasted thirty minutes.
The run was interrupted by rain.
I enjoy a long run on Sundays.
After the run, she felt energized.
The run around the park was refreshing.
He set a new personal best in his run.
Examples
The run flows into the larger river.
We camped beside a quiet run.
The kids played near the run after the rain.
A trout was spotted in the run.
The run dried up during the drought.
Hikers followed the run through the forest.
The run marks the boundary between the fields.
Similar words
creek
stream
brook
rill
rivulet
Examples
The play had a successful run of three months.
Her TV run lasted five seasons.
The band's run on the charts was impressive.
The run of the podcast continues weekly.
We enjoyed the run of the comedy series.
The run ended with a grand finale.
His run as a columnist spanned a decade.
Similar words
stint
stretch
spell
engagement
season
Examples
She noticed a run in her stocking.
The run in the dress was hard to hide.
A run appeared after she washed the silk.
He tried to fix the run with a needle.
The run caused the fabric to unravel.
She bought a new pair after the run.
The run was along the seam of the coat.
Examples
He won the 100-meter run.
The run was delayed due to rain.
She trained for the upcoming run.
The school organized a charity run.
Spectators cheered during the run.
The run ended with a photo finish.
He set a new record in the run.
Similar words
race
sprint
dash
contest
competition
Examples
The run produced an error message.
Each run of the script takes two minutes.
We logged the run for later analysis.
The program's run was successful.
During the run, the system used 30% CPU.
A new run will start after the update.
The run crashed due to a null pointer.
Etymology
From Old English rinnan meaning ‘to flow, run’, related to Proto-Germanic rennan and ultimately to the idea of moving swiftly.
FAQ
What does run mean as a verb for moving quickly?
Run describes traveling fast on foot, showing speed and effort.
How is run used when talking about operating a computer program?
When you run a program, you start it so it executes on a computer.
Can run refer to a small stream?
Yes, a run is a narrow watercourse that flows continuously.
What is the noun run in sports?
In sports, a run is a race or a timed competition on foot.
How do you correctly use run when talking about elections?
A person runs for office when they are a candidate in an election.
What are common mistakes learners make with run?
Dropping the third-person –s (he run), and using run for unrelated actions like driving a car.
Where does the word run come from?
It comes from Old English rinnan, meaning ‘to flow, run’, linked to Proto-Germanic rennan.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Contribution
Rapid Raccoon
Jun 29
run this by someone means check it with them first. My boss says can you run it by legal, and no one is moving anywhere
Contribution
Hidden Lynx
Jun 27
For illness, Americans usually say run a fever. In Britain I hear have a temperature more often, though run a temperature is understandable.
Contribution
Violet Fox
Jun 26
running late is another one learners miss. If I say I am running 10 minutes late, nobody imagines me jogging, it just means my schedule is slipping
Contribution
Pale Rabbit
Jun 17
run to the store does not always mean actual running. A lot of Americans say it for a quick errand, even if they are driving there and back.