# run /ˈɹən/ (US) · /ɹˈʌn/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/run Updated: 2026-04-30 ## Senses ### 1. to move fast verb · CEFR A1 to move your legs faster than a walk. For teachers: to move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both feet on the ground at the same time. - He had to run to catch the bus before it pulled away from the stop. - The athlete had to run with incredible discipline to maintain her pace during the final leg of the marathon. ### 2. to manage or lead verb · CEFR B1 to be in charge of a business, a shop, or an activity. For teachers: to manage, direct, or be in charge of an organisation or operation. - She runs a small bakery in the center of town. - After the merger, he was appointed to run the entire European division of the logistics firm. ### 3. to flow verb · CEFR A2 to flow or move like water from a tap or in a river. For teachers: to flow in a stream or be in a liquid state; often used for domestic water supplies. - Don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth. - The river runs through the valley, providing a vital water source for the local agricultural communities. ### 4. to operate a machine verb · CEFR B1 to make a machine or a computer program work. For teachers: to cause a machine or computer program to function or process data. - You need to run the latest update to fix the security bugs. - The technician decided to run the diagnostic software overnight to identify the source of the hardware failure. ### 5. to be a candidate verb · CEFR B2 · American English to try to get elected for a job in the government. For teachers: to stand as a candidate in an election for political office. - She decided to run for mayor because she wanted to improve the local schools. - Several prominent senators have already announced their intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming election cycle. ### 6. a period or sequence noun · CEFR B1 a continuous period of time when something happens or a series of things. For teachers: a continuous spell or sequence of events, often of a specified kind. - The team had a long run of wins before they finally lost a game. - The play enjoyed a successful three-month run on Broadway before going on a national tour. ### 7. a trip or journey noun · CEFR B1 a short trip or a regular journey. For teachers: a journey or route, especially one taken regularly or for pleasure. - The supermarket is just a quick five-minute run in the car. - The delivery driver completed his morning run ahead of schedule despite the heavy fog on the motorway. ### 8. sports point noun · CEFR A2 a point scored in games like cricket or baseball. For teachers: a unit of scoring in baseball or cricket, achieved by reaching bases or running between wickets. - He scored the winning run in the final inning of the game. - The batsman managed to steal a quick run while the fielder was distracted by the crowd. ### 9. a hole in clothing noun · CEFR B2 · American English a long hole in a piece of clothing where the threads have come apart. For teachers: a line of unravelled stitches in a knitted fabric, particularly in hosiery. - She noticed a run in her tights just before the interview started. - The delicate silk stockings were prone to runs if they caught on even the slightest rough surface. ### 10. animal enclosure noun · CEFR B2 a fenced area where animals can move around outside. For teachers: an enclosed area in which animals or birds can exercise or feed. - The chickens have a large run where they can find insects in the grass. - The farmer expanded the sheep run to ensure the flock had access to fresh grazing land during the summer months. ### 11. sudden demand noun · CEFR C1 · Technical when many people suddenly want to take their money out of a bank. For teachers: a sudden, urgent demand by many customers for the withdrawal of their funds from a financial institution. - Rumors of the bank's failure caused a run on deposits. - The central bank intervened to provide liquidity after a sudden run threatened to destabilise the national currency. ### 12. melted adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic melted or in a liquid state. For teachers: melted or molten; specifically used for materials like butter or metal. - The run butter was poured over the fresh vegetables. - The artisan used run metal to fill the intricate molds for the bronze statues. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.