gerund or present participle
Moving on your feet faster than walking, either as an activity or while going somewhere.
She is running to catch the bus.
The children are running in the yard.
American English
How to pronounce running
verb · noun · adjectiveB1Very common word
RUHnihng
/ˈɹə.nɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of run
Running can name the activity itself, or it can describe an action in progress after a form of be.
Moving on your feet faster than walking, either as an activity or while going somewhere.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund or present participle
Working or operating, especially when referring to a machine, vehicle, system, or device.
The engine is running smoothly.
Leave the fan running.
gerund or present participle
Being in charge of and organizing a business, organization, activity, or event.
She is running a small bakery.
Who is running the meeting?
gerund or present participle
Continuing for a particular amount of time or distance.
The course is running for six weeks.
The sale is running through Friday.
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.