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run-on

adjective
\ ˈrən-ˈȯn How to pronounce run-on (audio) , -ˈän\

Definition of run-on

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: continuing without rhetorical pause from one line of verse into another

run-on

noun
\ ˈrən-ˌȯn How to pronounce run-on (audio) , -ˌän\

Definition of run-on (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : something (such as a dictionary entry) that is run on
2 : run-on sentence

run on

verb
ran on; run on; running on; runs on

Definition of run on (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to talk or narrate at length
2 : to keep going : continue

transitive verb

1 : to continue (matter in type) without a break or a new paragraph : run in
2 : to place or add (something, such as an entry in a dictionary) at the end of a paragraphed item
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about run-on

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Examples of run-on in a Sentence

Verb

 we were just running on about how neither of us has aged a bit after all these years allow the savings account to run on for now

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 Imaginations run on overdrive as residents, businesses, and nonprofits choose a theme and bring it to life. — Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "West Carroll: ‘One More Round for George’ golf tournament to benefit history museum; ‘Pumpkin People’ coming to Taneytown," 2 Sep. 2019 That means a heavy dose of Lynn Bowden and establishing the run on offense against a Toledo defense that ranked 93rd nationally in yards allowed per game last season (432.3). — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky football vs. Toledo: Three keys to victory and a prediction," 30 Aug. 2019 The party ran on a platform of marijuana legalization, free market economics and hard-line nationalist views. — Washington Post, "Netanyahu strikes election deal with ultra-nationalist party," 30 Aug. 2019 Gillibrand ran on a progressive platform with a focus on women’s rights, but failed to outshine competitors like Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Sen. Kamala Harris of California. — Halley Bondy, NBC News, "In the know: Women in the news 8/26-8/30," 30 Aug. 2019 Melville allowed one run on two hits over seven innings. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Melville Mania overshadowed by McMahon’s walk-off homer in Rockies win," 26 Aug. 2019 Castillo went six innings and allowed one run on five hits in the Reds’ 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres before a crowd of 13,397 at Great American Ball Park. — John Fay, Cincinnati.com, "Luis Castillo comes up aces in Cincinnati Reds' 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres," 21 Aug. 2019 After seven scoreless innings in Detroit in his last game, Montgomery allowed one run on five hits in six innings, with two walks and three strikeouts. Noah Syndergaard (8-6) took the loss for the Mets. — New York Times, "Royals Escape a Mets Threat in the 9th," 17 Aug. 2019 Civale gave up one run on an Arraez sacrifice fly but otherwise allowed just four hits in six innings. — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, "Grand slam, baserunning blunder doom Twins in loss to Indians," 11 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'run-on.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of run-on

Adjective

1874, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on run-on

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with run-on

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about run-on

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