run

noun

UK /rʌn/

Word Forms

singular	run
plural	runs

1
countable usually singularthe action of running for pleasure or in sport
Paula usually has a shower after her run.
That was a record-breaking run.
go for a run (=run for pleasure):
I went for a run after work.
Synonyms and related words
To run
run
run
runner
1. 1a
  a race in which you must run a long distance
  Lee is doing a six-mile run on Saturday.
  Synonyms and related words
  Races and racing
  ahead
  a poor second
  baton
2
singular a period of time when you continue to succeed or fail, especially in a sport or business
Liverpool has had a fabulous run to the semi-finals.
a good/winning/unbeaten run:
Eindhoven are on a twelve-match unbeaten run.
run of:
I’m sure we’ll continue our run of successful overseas investments.
Synonyms and related words
General periods of time
a clear run
a page in something’s history
block
1. 2a
  countable a period of time when a play or television programme is performed or shown regularly
  a musical that has enjoyed a successful run on Broadway
  extend a run (=make it continue for longer):
  The programme has been so successful that its run has been extended.
  Synonyms and related words
  To broadcast or be broadcast on television or radio
  broadcast
  report
  give out
3
singular a journey that a train, ship etc does regularly
A shuttle bus makes the run from the station to the airport.
the school/airport run:
I’m doing the school run this morning.
Synonyms and related words
Journeys
awayday
circuit
commute
1. 3a
  a short journey that you do in a car for pleasure
  It was a very pleasant run to the coast.
  Synonyms and related words
  Journeys
  awayday
  circuit
  commute
4
countable the amount of something that a company or factory produces at one time
The plates are a limited edition run of 250.
Synonyms and related words
Describing or relating to factories and producing goods
automated
factory
industrial
5
countable an attempt to be elected to an official job or position
run for:
Lavell has not ruled out a run for the state senate seat.
Synonyms and related words
Elections and relating to the electoral system
alternative vote
AV
ballot rigging
6
countable one point in the game of cricket
score a run:
He has scored 90 runs in this match.
Synonyms and related words
Cricket
the Ashes
at stumps
bail
1. 6a
  one point in the game of baseball
  Synonyms and related words
  Baseball positions, actions and equipment
  balk
  ballpark
  base
7
countable a small area with a fence around it where animals such as chickens or rabbits can run around
Synonyms and related words
Outdoor areas where animals are kept
barnyard
boma
chicken run
8
countable a slope that you can slide down, usually on skis
I started on the beginners’ run.
a toboggan run
Synonyms and related words
Skiing and other sports taking place on snow
après-ski
binding
chairlift
1. 8a
  a shaped object for sliding or rolling something down
  a marble run
  Synonyms and related words
  Tubes and tubing
  tube
  tubing
  roller
9
countable in card games, a group of cards whose numbers are in a series, for example a 4, 5, and 6
Synonyms and related words
Relating to card games
bid
call
cards
10
countable Americana long thin hole in stockings or pantyhose
Synonyms and related words
Parts of clothes
arm
armhole
basque

phrases

against the run of play

at a run

break into a run

a clear run

give someone a (good) run for their money

have a (good) run for your money

have the run of something

make a run for it

make a run for something

on the run

a run of good/bad luck

a run on something

take a run at something

the usual/general/normal run of something

run

noun

US /rʌn/

Word Forms

singular	run
plural	runs

1
countable usually singularthe action of running for pleasure or in a sport
Paula usually takes a shower after her run.
That was a record-breaking run.
go for a run (=run for pleasure):
I went for a run after work.
Synonyms and related words
To run
run
run
runner
1. 1a
  a race in which you must run a long distance
  Lee is doing a six-mile run on Saturday.
  Synonyms and related words
  Races and racing
  ahead
  a poor second
  baton
2
singular a period of time when you continue to succeed or fail, especially in a sport or business
Pierce has had a fabulous run to the semifinals.
a good/winning/unbeaten run:
The Lakers are on an unbeaten run of ten games.
run of:
I’m sure we’ll continue our run of successful overseas investments.
Synonyms and related words
General periods of time
a clear run
a page in something’s history
block
1. 2a
  countable a period of time when a play or television program is performed or shown regularly
  a musical that has enjoyed a successful run on Broadway
  extend a run (=make it continue for longer):
  The program has been so successful that its run has been extended.
  Synonyms and related words
  To broadcast or be broadcast on television or radio
  broadcast
  report
  screen
3
countable an attempt to be elected to an official job or position
run for:
Lavell has not ruled out a run for the state senate seat.
Synonyms and related words
Elections and relating to the electoral system
advance poll
alternative vote
AV
4
countable the amount of something that a company or factory produces at one time
The plates are a limited edition run of 250.
Synonyms and related words
Describing or relating to factories and producing goods
automated
factory
industrial
5
countable one point in the game of baseball
score a run:
Puckett scored three runs in the game.
Synonyms and related words
Baseball positions, actions and equipment
at bat
at bat
balk
1. 5a
  one point in the game of cricket
  Synonyms and related words
  Cricket
  bat
  batsman
  batting average
6
singular a trip that a train, ship, etc. does regularly
A shuttle bus makes the run from the station to the airport.
the school/airport run:
I’m doing the school run this morning.
Synonyms and related words
Journeys
awayday
circuit
commute
1. 6a
  a short trip that you do in a car for pleasure
  We had a very pleasant run to the coast.
  Synonyms and related words
  Journeys
  awayday
  circuit
  commute
7
countable a small area with a fence around it where animals such as chickens or rabbits can run around
Synonyms and related words
Outdoor areas where animals are kept
barnyard
boma
chicken run
8
countable a slope that you can slide down, usually on skis
I started on the beginners’ run.
a toboggan run
Synonyms and related words
Skiing and other sports taking place on snow
après-ski
Aspen
binding
1. 8a
  a shaped object for sliding or rolling something down
  a marble run
  Synonyms and related words
  Tubes and tubing
  tube
  tubing
  roller
9
countable in card games, a group of cards whose numbers are in a series, for example a 4, 5, and 6
Synonyms and related words
Relating to card games
bid
call
cards
10
countable Americana long thin hole in stockings or pantyhose
Synonyms and related words
Parts of clothes
arm
armhole
bib

phrases

at a run

break into a run

a clear run

give someone a (good) run for their money

have a (good) run for your money

have the run of something

make a run at something

make a run for it

make a run for something

on the run

a run of good/bad luck

a run on something

take a run at something

the usual/general/normal run of something

run

verb

UK /rʌn/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	run
he/she/it	runs
present participle	running
past tense	ran
past participle	run

1
intransitive to move quickly to a place using your legs and feet
You’ll have to run if you want to catch the bus.
run across/into/down etc:
A cat ran across the road in front of me.
run to:
I ran to the door and opened it.
run for cover/shelter:
We ran for shelter as soon as the rain started.
Synonyms and related words
To run
run
run
runner
1. 1a
  intransitive/transitive to run in a race
  He’s running the 100m.
  run in:
  I’d love to run in the London Marathon.
  Synonyms and related words
  To run
  run
  run
  runner
2. 1b
  transitive usually passiveto have a race in a particular place or at a particular time
  The race will be run at 3 pm.
  Synonyms and related words
  Races and racing
  ahead
  a poor second
  baton
3. 1c
  transitive to run a particular distance
  How quickly can you run a mile?
  Synonyms and related words
  To run
  run
  run
  runner
2
transitive to control and organize something such as a business, organization, or event
Sue’s been running a mail-order business for ten years.
run a campaign:
He was the man who ran Clinton’s election campaign.
Synonyms and related words
To be in charge
control
govern
watch over
1. 2a
  to organize and provide something such as a service or course
  The shelter is run entirely by volunteers.
  The bus company runs a regular airport shuttle service.
  Synonyms and related words
  To make plans or arrangements
  plan
  arrange
  organize
3
intransitive/transitive if a machine or engine runs, or if you run it, it is working
Don’t leave the car engine running.
I ran the dishwasher even though it wasn’t full.
run on petrol/electricity etc:
Does your car run on petrol or diesel?
run off the mains (=use the electricity supply):
My laptop can run off the mains or a battery.
Synonyms and related words
To make a machine or piece of equipment work
activate
actuate
coax
Synonyms and related words
To work, or to start working (of a piece of machinery)
operate
come on
function
1. 3a
  intransitive/transitive computingto start or to use a computer program
  Try running the program again and see if it works.
  run on:
  The software will run on any PC.
  run under:
  a spreadsheet package that runs under Windows or Unix
  Synonyms and related words
  To use or program a computer
  access
  archive
  back up
  Synonyms and related words
  To start or stop a computer or computer program
  log on
  log off
  power up
2. 3b
  transitive to own and use a motor vehicle
  expenses involved in running a car
  Synonyms and related words
  To drive, or to operate a vehicle
  back up
  belt up
  be on someone’s tail
4
intransitive if a liquid runs somewhere, it flows there
run down/from etc:
Tears were running down his face.
Blood ran from a wound in her leg.
Synonyms and related words
What liquids can do
break
burst
cast up
1. 4a
  intransitive if a river runs somewhere, it flows there
  run into/to/from etc:
  The Rhine runs into the North Sea.
  Synonyms and related words
  What liquids can do
  break
  burst
  cast up
2. 4b
  intransitive/transitive if a tap runs, or if you run it, water comes out of it
  Synonyms and related words
  What liquids can do
  break
  burst
  cast up
3. 4c
  intransitive if something is running with a liquid, the liquid is flowing down it
  run with:
  His back was running with sweat.
  Synonyms and related words
  What liquids can do
  break
  burst
  cast up
4. 4d
  transitive to fill a bath or other container with water from a tap
  I ran a sink full of cold water.
  run (someone) a bath:
  Dad offered to run me a bath.
  Synonyms and related words
  To fill a thing or place with liquid or air
  inflate
  pump up
  blow up
5
intransitive if a play, film, or television programme runs, it continues to be performed or shown
a soap opera that has been running for many years
How long did the film run for?
Synonyms and related words
To broadcast or be broadcast on television or radio
broadcast
report
give out
1. 5a
  if an official agreement or document runs until a particular time, you can continue to use it until that date
  The contract only has another couple of months to run.
  Synonyms and related words
  To continue for a particular amount of time
  last
  extend
  go back
6
intransitive if a bus, train etc runs, it travels somewhere at regular times
The train only runs at weekends.
run on time (=arrive and leave at the right time):
Do the buses run on time?
be running 10 minutes/two hours etc late:
The train was running twenty minutes late.
Synonyms and related words
Booking on and travelling by transport
aboard
afloat
aisle seat
1. 6a
  transitive informalto take someone somewhere in your car
  run someone to/into:
  John kindly offered to run me into town.
  run someone there/home/back etc:
  I’ll run you there, it’s no trouble.
  Synonyms and related words
  To go somewhere with someone or something
  come
  drive
  walk
  Synonyms and related words
  To drive, or to operate a vehicle
  back up
  belt up
  be on someone’s tail
2. 6b
  intransitive if a vehicle runs somewhere, it moves there because the driver is not controlling it properly
  run into/down/through etc:
  The truck ran down the hill and into a shop window.
  Synonyms and related words
  To go somewhere, or to move in a particular direction
  head
  go
  progress
7
intransitive usually progressiveto reach a particular amount or rate
Ticket prices were running anywhere from £50 to £200.
run at:
Inflation is running at 3%.
Synonyms and related words
To reach a particular amount, point, or state
reach
come
come to
8
transitive to move or rub something along something else
run something through/across/down something:
Fred ran his fingers gently through her hair.
In a fit of jealousy, he ran a key down the side of Greg’s car.
Synonyms and related words
To rub and rubbing
rub
knead
scratch
9
intransitive if something such as a road or wall runs somewhere, it exists in that place
run along/around/through etc:
There was a path running through the middle of the forest.
run parallel to something:
A mountain range runs parallel to the western border.
Synonyms and related words
To be in a particular position or place
occupy
set
exist
10
transitive to put something such as a wire or thread somewhere
run something under/behind/through etc something:
You could run the cable behind the desk.
Synonyms and related words
General words meaning to put something somewhere
put
place
position
11
intransitive if a feeling runs through you, you experience it
A chill ran through me (=I suddenly felt frightened).
Synonyms and related words
What feelings and emotions do
come over
return
run away with
1. 11a
  to have a particular thought
  Our thoughts seem to run along the same lines (=we think the same).
  run to:
  His thoughts ran to the first time he had met Matilda.
  something runs through your mind/head (=you have a particular thought or idea):
  The thought that she might be lying ran through my mind.
  Synonyms and related words
  To have a thought or thoughts
  occur to
  flash
  dawn
12
transitive if newspapers run an article, advertisement, or photograph, they print it
Synonyms and related words
To publish something, or to be published
self-publish
publish
print
Synonyms and related words
Journalism and relating to journalism
backstory
blackout
chequebook journalism
13
intransitive to try to be elected to an official job or position
How many candidates are running?
run for:
Jackson announced his intention to run for president.
run against:
There will be three candidates running against her.
Synonyms and related words
To be a candidate or winner in an election
campaign
canvass
run
14
intransitive if a piece of clothing or a colour runs, the colour spreads when you wash it
Synonyms and related words
To become a different colour
blacken
bleach
bleed
1. 14a
  if something such as paint or ink runs, it spreads to where it should not be
  Crying had made her mascara run.
  Synonyms and related words
  To spread over an area
  spread out
  disperse
  fan out
2. 14b
  if something such as butter runs, it becomes liquid and spreads because it is warm
  Synonyms and related words
  To change consistency - general words
  atomise
  atomize
  bake
15
transitive to bring someone or something illegally into a country
We know of several groups who are running guns into the country.
Synonyms and related words
To commit a specific crime
abduct
abet
aid and abet
16
intransitive to grow in a particular direction
run up/over:
Ivy runs up the walls of the house.
Synonyms and related words
What plants can do
bear
bear fruit
bloom
17
intransitive to move smoothly
The curtains run on these tracks.
Synonyms and related words
To move, or to move something, slowly
crawl
dawdle
creep
18
intransitive if a story, argument etc runs in a particular way, this is what happens or what someone says
The text ran something like this: ‘Don’t mess with our business!’
Synonyms and related words
To happen in a particular way
play out
go
go off
19
intransitive if tights or stockings run, a hole in them becomes longer
Synonyms and related words
What clothing and cloth can do
bag
breathe
bunch
20
run like the wind
to run extremely fast
We must run like the wind, or else we’re going to be late!
Submitted by:
Emran Khoshrouye Ghiasi from Iran, Islamic Republic of on 14/09/2018
Open Dictionary - September2018
21
run your mouth
informal
to talk without thinking about the impact of what you are saying
I’m sick to death of you running your mouth.
Submitted from:
United Kingdom on 02/03/2018
Open Dictionary - March2018

phrases

come running

run and do something

run checks/tests on

run dry

run your eyes over something

run for it

run for your life

run someone’s life

run like hell

run a mile

running late

running low

running scared

run someone off the road

run a (red) light

run rings round someone

run riot

run a risk

run a temperature/fever

run to fat

run with it

something runs in the/someone’s family

try to run before you can walk

up and running

something will run and run

phrasal verbs

run across

run after

run along

run around

run around after

run around with

run away

run away with

run by

run down

run in

run into

run off

run off with

run on

run out

run out on

run over

run through

run to

run up

run up against

run

verb

US /rʌn/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	run
he/she/it	runs
present participle	running
past tense	ran
past participle	run

1
intransitive to move quickly to a place using your legs and feet
You’ll have to run if you want to catch the school bus.
run across/into/down etc.:
A cat ran across the road in front of me.
run for cover/shelter:
We ran for shelter as soon as the rain started.
run to:
I ran to the door and opened it.
Synonyms and related words
To run
run
run
runner
1. 1a
  intransitive/transitive to run in a race
  He’s running the hundred yard dash.
  run in:
  I’d love to run in the Boston Marathon.
  Synonyms and related words
  To run
  run
  run
  runner
2. 1b
  transitive usually passiveto have a race in a particular place or at a particular time
  The race will be run at 3 p.m.
  Synonyms and related words
  Races and racing
  ahead
  a poor second
  baton
3. 1c
  transitive to run a particular distance
  How quickly can you run a mile?
  Synonyms and related words
  To run
  run
  run
  runner
2
transitive to control and organize something such as a business, organization, or event
Sue’s been running a mail-order business for years.
run a campaign:
He was the man who ran Clinton’s election campaign.
Synonyms and related words
To be in charge
control
govern
watch over
1. 2a
  to organize and provide something such as a service or class
  The shelter is run entirely by volunteers.
  The bus company runs a regular airport shuttle service.
  Synonyms and related words
  To make plans or arrangements
  plan
  arrange
  organize
3
intransitive/transitive if a machine or engine runs, or if you run it, it is working
Don’t leave the engine running.
I ran the dishwasher even though it wasn’t full.
run on gas/electricity etc.:
Does your car run on premium or unleaded?
Synonyms and related words
To make a machine or piece of equipment work
activate
actuate
coax
Synonyms and related words
To work, or to start working (of a piece of machinery)
operate
come on
function
1. 3a
  intransitive/transitive computingto start or to use a computer program
  Try running the program again and see if it works.
  run on:
  The software will run on any PC.
  run under:
  a spreadsheet package that runs under Windows or Unix
  Synonyms and related words
  To use or program a computer
  access
  archive
  author
  Synonyms and related words
  To start or stop a computer or computer program
  log on
  log off
  power up
4
intransitive if a liquid runs somewhere, it flows there
run down/from etc.:
Tears were running down his face.
Blood ran from a wound in her leg.
Synonyms and related words
What liquids can do
break
burst
cast up
1. 4a
  intransitive if a river runs somewhere, it flows there
  run into/to/from etc.:
  The Mississippi runs into the Gulf of Mexico.
  Synonyms and related words
  What liquids can do
  break
  burst
  cast up
2. 4b
  intransitive/transitive if a faucet runs, or if you run it, water comes out of it
  Synonyms and related words
  What liquids can do
  break
  burst
  cast up
3. 4c
  intransitive if something is running with a liquid, the liquid is flowing down it
  run with:
  His back was running with sweat.
  Synonyms and related words
  What liquids can do
  break
  burst
  cast up
4. 4d
  transitive to fill a bath or other container with water from a faucet
  I ran a sink full of cold water.
  run a bath:
  Dad offered to run a bath for me.
  Synonyms and related words
  To fill a thing or place with liquid or air
  inflate
  pump up
  blow up
5
intransitive to try to be elected to an official job or position
How many candidates are running?
run for:
Jackson announced his intention to run for president.
run against:
There will be three candidates running against her in next month’s elections.
Synonyms and related words
To be a candidate or winner in an election
campaign
canvass
run
6
intransitive if a bus, train, etc. runs, it travels somewhere at regular times
The train only runs on the weekend.
run on time (=arrive and leave at the right time):
The trains never seem to run on time.
be running 10 minutes/two hours etc. late:
The shuttle was running twenty minutes late.
Synonyms and related words
Booking on and traveling by transport
aboard
afloat
aisle seat
1. 6a
  transitive informalto take someone somewhere in your car
  run someone to/into:
  John kindly offered to run me into town.
  run someone there/home/back etc.:
  I’ll run you there, it’s no trouble.
  Synonyms and related words
  To go somewhere with someone or something
  come
  drive
  walk
  Synonyms and related words
  To drive, or to operate a vehicle
  back up
  block in
  box in
2. 6b
  intransitive if a vehicle runs somewhere, it moves there because the driver is not controlling it properly
  run into/down/through etc.:
  The truck ran down the hill and into a store window.
  Synonyms and related words
  To go somewhere, or to move in a particular direction
  head
  go
  progress
7
intransitive if a play, movie, or television program runs, it continues to be performed or shown
a soap opera that has been running for many years
How long did the movie run for?
Synonyms and related words
To broadcast or be broadcast on television or radio
broadcast
report
screen
1. 7a
  if an official agreement or document runs until a particular time, you can continue to use it until that date
  The contract only has another couple of months to run.
  Synonyms and related words
  To continue for a particular amount of time
  last
  extend
  go back
8
intransitive usually progressiveto reach a particular amount or rate
Ticket prices were running anywhere from $50 to $200.
run at:
Inflation is running at 3%.
Synonyms and related words
To reach a particular amount, point, or state
reach
come
come to
9
transitive to move or rub something along something else
In a fit of jealousy, he ran a key down the side of Greg’s car.
run something through/across/down something:
Fred ran his fingers gently through her hair.
Synonyms and related words
To rub and rubbing
rub
knead
scratch
10
intransitive if something such as a road or wall runs somewhere, it exists in that place
run along/around/through etc.:
There was a path running through the middle of the forest.
run parallel to something:
A mountain range runs parallel to the western border.
Synonyms and related words
To be in a particular position or place
occupy
set
exist
11
transitive to put something such as a wire or thread somewhere
run something under/behind/through etc. something:
You could run the cable behind the desk.
Synonyms and related words
General words meaning to put something somewhere
put
place
position
12
intransitive if a feeling runs through you, you experience it
A chill ran through me (=I suddenly felt frightened).
Synonyms and related words
What feelings and emotions do
color
come over
sweep over
1. 12a
  to have a particular thought
  Our thoughts seem to run along the same lines (=we think the same).
  run to:
  His thoughts ran to the first time he had met Matilda.
  something runs through your mind/head (=you have a particular thought or idea):
  The thought that she might be lying ran through my mind.
  Synonyms and related words
  To have a thought or thoughts
  occur to
  flash
  dawn
13
transitive if newspapers run an article, advertisement, or photograph, they print it
Synonyms and related words
To publish something, or to be published
self-publish
publish
print
Synonyms and related words
Journalism and relating to journalism
backstory
blackout
checkbook journalism
14
intransitive if a piece of clothing or a color runs, the color spreads when you wash it
Synonyms and related words
To become a different color
blacken
bleach
bleed
1. 14a
  if something such as paint or ink runs, it spreads to where it should not be
  Crying had made her mascara run.
  Synonyms and related words
  To spread over an area
  spread out
  disperse
  fan out
2. 14b
  if something such as butter runs, it becomes liquid and spreads because it is warm
  Synonyms and related words
  To change consistency - general words
  atomize
  bake
  boil
15
transitive to bring someone or something illegally into a country
We know of several groups who are running guns into the country.
Synonyms and related words
To commit a specific crime
abduct
abet
aid and abet
16
intransitive to grow in a particular direction
run up/over:
Ivy runs up the walls of the house.
Synonyms and related words
What plants can do
bear
bear fruit
bloom
17
intransitive to move smoothly
The curtains run on these tracks.
Synonyms and related words
To move, or to move something, slowly
crawl
dawdle
creep
18
intransitive if a story, argument, etc. runs in a particular way, this is what happens or what someone says
The text ran something like this: “Don’t mess with our business!”
Synonyms and related words
To happen in a particular way
play out
go
go off
19
intransitive if tights or pantyhose run, a hole in them becomes longer
Synonyms and related words
What clothing and cloth can do
bag
breathe
bunch
20
run like the wind
to run extremely fast
We must run like the wind, or else we’re going to be late!
Submitted by:
Emran Khoshrouye Ghiasi from Iran, Islamic Republic of on 14/09/2018
Open Dictionary - September2018
21
run your mouth
informal
to talk without thinking about the impact of what you are saying
I’m sick to death of you running your mouth.
Submitted from:
United Kingdom on 02/03/2018
Open Dictionary - March2018

phrases

come running

run and do something

run checks/tests on

run circles around someone

run dry

run your eyes over something

run for it

run for your life

run someone’s life

run like hell

run a mile

run someone off the road

run out of gas/steam

run a (red) light

run riot

run a risk

run a temperature/fever

run to fat

run wild

run with it

running late

running low

running scared

something runs in the/someone’s family

try to run before you can walk

up and running

something will run and run

phrasal verbs

run across

run after

run along

run around

run around after

run around with

run away

run away with

run by

run down

run into

run off

run off with

run on

run out

run out on

run over

run through

run to

run up

run up against

run ​‌‌‌

run ​‌‌‌

run ​‌‌‌

run like the wind

run your mouth

run ​‌‌‌

run like the wind

run your mouth

run

run

run

run