Running

'rʌnɪŋ

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To move quickly on foot; to proceed or continue.

'rʌnɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To move at a pace faster than walking.

The dog is running in the park.

💡 Simply: Running is like when you're moving super fast with your legs. Think of chasing after the ice cream truck!

👶 For kids: To move quickly with your legs!

More Examples

2

He's been running for an hour.

3

The company is running a promotion.

How It's Used

Sports

"She is running a marathon."

Everyday Life

"I'm running late for the meeting."

2

The act or instance of moving rapidly on foot; a continuous series or sequence.

'rʌnɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
Action

The act of moving rapidly on foot.

She enjoys running every morning.

💡 Simply: The word 'running' can also be used to describe the act of moving quickly on foot. 'Going for a running' is a good way to say you are exercising your legs.

👶 For kids: When you move quickly with your legs, it's called running!

More Examples

2

The running of the river was swift.

3

The running of the company is his responsibility.

How It's Used

Sports

"Running is a great form of exercise."

Politics

"He is considering a running for president."

Tip:Think of a marathon. The *running* itself is the exercise.
3

In operation or use; flowing or moving.

'rʌnɪŋ

adjectiveneutralmedium
State

In a state of being in motion; functioning.

The water is running in the faucet.

💡 Simply: When something is 'running', it means it's working or in action. Like a computer that is running a video game.

👶 For kids: If something is 'running' it is doing its thing!

More Examples

2

The company has running costs.

3

The movie is running on TV now.

How It's Used

Technology

"The computer is running a new program."

Business

"The running costs are quite high."

Tip:Think of 'running water'. It's *in motion*.

Idioms & expressions

running late

To be delayed or behind schedule.

"I'm running late; I'll be there in ten minutes."

run out of time

To not have enough time to complete something.

"I ran out of time and couldn't finish the test."

From Middle English *rennen*, present participle of *rennen* ("to run"), from Old English *rinnan* ("to run").

The word "running" has been used in various forms since Old English times, reflecting its core meaning of motion and action. Over time, its versatility expanded to include uses relating to systems, operations, and time.

Memory tip

Imagine yourself jogging to remember what running is. It’s an action!

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to move with quick steps"

running shoesrunning waterrunning laterunning a businessrunning a race

Common misspellings

runingrunninrunnung

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written