ENGLISH
REFERENCE

running

n. · adj. · adv.
US //ˈɹənɪŋ// UK //ɹˈʌnɪŋ// run·ning
  1. 1 exercise or sport (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    the activity or sport of moving fast on foot.

    the physical activity or competitive sport of rapid locomotion on foot.

    Example

    She goes running every morning before she has breakfast.

    Example

    Long-distance running requires not only physical endurance but also significant mental discipline to maintain a consistent pace over several hours.
  2. 2 management or operation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way a business, system, or machine is managed and kept working.

    the management, administration, or functional operation of an organisation or system.

    Example

    He is responsible for the day-to-day running of the office.

    Example

    The smooth running of the international conference depended on the seamless coordination between the technical staff and the local organisers.
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  1. 3 continuous or ongoing (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    continuing for a long time or happening regularly.

    continuous, ongoing, or maintained over a period of time without interruption.

    Example

    They have a running joke about who is the worst cook in the family.

    Example

    The documentary provides a running commentary on the political changes occurring throughout the decade.
  2. 4 flowing liquid (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    water or liquid that is moving or flowing from a tap.

    referring to water supplied through pipes and taps, or liquid in a state of flow.

    Example

    The campsite has no running water, so we have to bring our own.

    Example

    The sound of running water from the nearby stream provided a peaceful backdrop to their afternoon picnic.
  3. 5 medical discharge (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    liquid coming out of a part of your body, like your nose or a sore.

    discharging pus, mucus, or other fluids, typically due to infection or irritation.

    Example

    He has a running nose because of his hay fever.

    Example

    The doctor examined the running sore to determine if the infection had spread to the surrounding tissue.
  4. 6 consecutively (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    happening one after another without a break.

    occurring in a continuous sequence; consecutively.

    Example

    Our team has won four games running.

    Example

    The company reported record profits for the third year running, exceeding even the most optimistic forecasts from market analysts.
Origin

By surface analysis, run + -ing.

Idioms6 entries

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