run-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌəp How to pronounce run-up (audio)
Synonyms of run-upnext
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
On the price front, China's residential prices have already fallen by 22% since a 2021 peak, compared with a 67% drop in Japan's after a far greater run-up in prices, the S&P report said. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 The recent run-up in rates also reflects heightened bond market volatility as surging oil prices due to the war fuel inflation worries. — Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
And, near the end of the first stage, Alex Bowman's car got loose and ran up the track and into Bubba Wallace's car, collecting William Byron in the mix. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Republicans are hopeful that New York GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive, can run up a big total in the jurisdiction that will sweep Suozzi and Gillen out of office. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for run-up

See All Rhymes for run-up

Browse Nearby Words

runty
run-up
run up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run-up. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

run up

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

More from Merriam-Webster on run-up

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for run-up

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