Meaning & Definition of word "Running"

Running

/ˈrʌnɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. the action or movement of running.
    • Example: Her running improved significantly after she trained for a marathon.
  • 2. a period during which a route or service is operational.
    • Example: The bus service has a regular running schedule.

verb:

  • 1. the action of moving at a speed faster than a walk, by alternating between the moments when the feet are on the ground and the moments when they are in the air.
    • Example: She enjoys running every morning to stay fit.
  • 2. manage or operate (a business or organization).
    • Example: He has been running the family business for over a decade.
  • 3. continue or proceed in a specific way.
    • Example: The meeting is running longer than expected.

adjective:

  • 1. having the ability to move by running.
    • Example: He is a running athlete, specializing in sprints.
  • 2. ongoing or currently in operation.
    • Example: The running project needs more funding to complete.

Etymology

From Old English 'rinnan', meaning 'to flow, run, or move quickly'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

running out of time:

To have little time left to complete something.

running a fever:

Experiencing an elevated body temperature due to illness.

running the show:

Being in charge or taking control of a situation.

running in circles:

Making no progress despite effort.

Related Words

runner:

A person who runs, especially in races.

run:

To move at a speed faster than walking.

runaway:

A person who has run away, especially from home.

Slang Meanings of running

Meaning: Running on empty

Example Sentence: I’ve been working so hard that I feel like I’m running on empty.

Meaning: Run for it

Example Sentence: When the fire alarm rang, we decided to just run for it.

Meaning: Running the game

Example Sentence: His strategies show that he's really running the game in that business.