run-up

1 of 2

noun

1
: the act of running up something
2
: a usually sudden increase in volume or price
3
: a period immediately preceding an action or event

run up

2 of 2

verb

ran up; run up; running up; runs up

intransitive verb

: to grow rapidly : shoot up

transitive verb

1
: bid up
2
: to stitch together quickly
3
: to erect hastily
4
: to achieve by accumulating
ran up a big lead

Examples of run-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The big run-up in gold still has plenty of headroom left, according to Goldman Sachs. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025 The Fed is also getting a concerning signal from the recent run-up in Americans’ expectations for inflation in the short run and in the long run. Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
Read Next: Best Trout Lures Despite the river having that subtle, minty green stain many trout anglers love, not once did a fish arc up to the surface to snatch a lure, run up on one boat side, or roll around one and miss. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2025 Instead of running up and down an ever-growing list of names, defer to an expert. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for run-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of run-up was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-up. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

run up

verb
: to cause to pile up : accumulate
ran up a big telephone bill

More from Merriam-Webster on run-up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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