English Reference
noun · adjective · adverb

running

n. · adj. · adv.
US /ˈɹənɪŋ/ UK /ɹˈʌnɪŋ/ run·ning UK spelling runnings

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Sport

    n.the activity or sport of moving fast on foot.

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

    Simple

    She goes running every morning before she has breakfast.

    In context

    Long-distance running requires not only physical endurance but also significant mental discipline to maintain a consistent pace over several hours.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The smooth running of the international conference depended on the seamless coordination between the technical staff and the local organisers.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    adj.continuing for a long time or happening regularly.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The documentary provides a running commentary on the political changes occurring throughout the decade.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The sound of running water from the nearby stream provided a peaceful backdrop to their afternoon picnic.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Simple

    He has a running nose because of his hay fever.

    In context

    The doctor examined the running sore to determine if the infection had spread to the surrounding tissue.

    dry
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adv.happening one after another without a break.

    adv.occurring in a continuous sequence; consecutively.

    Simple

    Our team has won four games running.

    In context

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

Usage running away · running costs · running out of time


By surface analysis, run + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated