verb
to move on your feet faster than walking
She runs every morning.
The children ran from the house to the park.
Common phrases & grammar
run fast · run a mile · run every morning
run + adverb
run + from + place + to + place
American English
How to pronounce run
verb · nounB1Very common word
RUHN
/ɹən/
One syllable.
to move on your feet faster than walking
What to listen for
When you say “run” by itself, use /ɹən/. In very fast connected speech, it may sound like /ɹn̩/ because the vowel disappears, but you do not need to use this form when saying the word alone.
Meanings & examples
verb
to work or operate, especially when talking about a machine, vehicle, or system
This car runs on electricity.
Can you run the washing machine?
Common phrases & grammar
run smoothly · run on batteries · run an engine
run + on + fuel/electricity
run + a + machine/device
verb
to be in charge of a business, organization, activity, or event and organize it
She runs a small design company.
Who is running the meeting?
Common phrases & grammar
run a company · run a business · run a meeting · run a campaign
run + a + business/organization
run + an + event/program
verb
to continue for a particular amount of time or distance
The course runs for six weeks.
The sale runs from Monday to Friday.
Common phrases & grammar
run late · run all day · run for two weeks
run + for + period
run + from + date + to + date
Useful expressions
to use all of something so that none is left
We've run out of milk.
to meet someone unexpectedly
I ran into an old friend downtown.
after a long period of time, especially when thinking about future results
This choice will save money in the long run.
Related words & forms
The past form is ran, but the past participle is run. The -ing form is spelled running.