run
ruhn
Run (verb) means to move quickly on foot, faster than walking. Example: “I run along the river every morning before I start work.”
verb
1
To move quickly on foot, faster than walking.
"I run along the river every morning before I start work."
"She ran to catch the bus."
"The kids ran across the playground, laughing."
2
To manage or be in charge of something.
"He runs a small bakery downtown."
"My sister runs a small marketing agency from home."
"Who runs the youth club on Thursday evenings?"
3
To operate or function, especially of a machine, program, or system.
"The app runs smoothly even on older phones."
"This old software still runs fine on modern computers."
"The engine runs quietly once it has warmed up."
4
To flow, as a liquid does.
"Rain began to run down the window as the storm grew stronger."
"Tears ran down her face."
"Sweat ran down his back after the workout."
noun
1
An act of running.
"I go for a run every morning before work."
"A quick run around the block helps clear my head."
"We went for a long run along the river on Sunday."
2
A continuous period or sequence of similar events.
"The team is on a five-game winning run."
"Stocks are on a run after the positive earnings report."
"The theatre enjoyed a long run of sold-out shows last winter."
How to use run
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move fast on foot — or, more broadly, to operate, manage, or flow.
Memory tip
Run has dozens of meanings in English — learn these core ones first; context tells you which is meant.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
go for a run
run a business
run smoothly
a winning run
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Word forms
- Plural
- runs
- Third person singular
- runs
- Past tense
- ran
- Archaic forms
- runnest, ranst, rannest, runneth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ along the river every morning before I start work.
Etymology
From Old English rinnan and iernan, both meaning "to run," which merged over time into one word.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for run
See all rhymes for run →Frequently asked questions
What does “run” mean?
The word “run” means to move quickly on foot, faster than walking. In plain terms, to move fast on foot — or, more broadly, to operate, manage, or flow.
How do you pronounce “run”?
“Run” is pronounced ruhn (/ɹʌn/ in IPA).
How do you use “run” in a sentence?
Here is “run” used in a sentence: “He runs a small bakery downtown.”
What is another word for “run”?
Words with a similar meaning to “run” include gallop, execute, start, tread and ladder.
What is the opposite of “run”?
The opposite of “run” — its antonyms — are rise and riser.
What part of speech is “run”?
Depending on how it is used, “run” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “run” come from?
The word “run” comes from Old English. From Old English rinnan and iernan, both meaning "to run," which merged over time into one word.
Is “run” a common word?
“Run” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between running and jogging?
Both mean moving quickly on foot, but jogging is slower, steady, and relaxed — a comfortable pace often used for fitness. Running is faster and more intense, demanding more effort and energy. The line between them is loose, but pace and exertion are the main difference.
What is the difference between run and sprint?
Running is the general act of moving fast on foot at a pace you can often sustain. Sprinting is running at your absolute maximum speed over a short distance, like a 100-metre dash. Every sprint is a run, but a sprint can't be kept up for long.
What is the opposite of run?
The most natural opposite is 'walk,' which is moving on foot at a slower, steady pace. Depending on context, 'stand still' or 'stop' can also oppose 'run.' Where running is quick and energetic, walking is calm and measured, covering ground with far less effort.
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