Word
runny
Phoneticsrun·ny, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹəni/
UK/ɹˈʌni/
Definition
adj. having a liquid that flows out easily. You use this to describe things like eggs, noses, or paint that are too thin.
adj. flowing or leaking easily; having a consistency that allows liquid to escape from a container or surface.
Examples
“The egg was runny when I cracked it.”
“The paint was too runny to cover the wall properly, so I had to add more powder to the mix.”
“The chef adjusted the sauce to ensure it was thick enough to coat the pasta without being runny or watery.”
Examples
simple
“The egg was runny when I cracked it.”
contextual
“The paint was too runny to cover the wall properly, so I had to add more powder to the mix.”
complex
“The chef adjusted the sauce to ensure it was thick enough to coat the pasta without being runny or watery.”
Etymology
From run + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/runny