run

To move quickly on your feet, with both feet briefly leaving the ground between steps.

• I run every morning.
• She ran five miles yesterday.
• Can you run faster than your brother?

How to use it: run to something (The children ran to the gate.)

Common phrases: run fast, run a race, run to school, run very fast

If a machine or computer program does this, it is working or operating.

• The engine is running.
• This program runs on my laptop.
• The old washing machine ran well for years.

How to use it: run on something (This small motor runs on electricity.)

Similar words: work, operate, function

Common phrases: run smoothly, run on batteries, run all day

To leave quickly to get away from someone or something dangerous or unwanted.

• The thief ran away.
• They ran from the burning house.
• You cannot keep running from your problems.

How to use it: run from someone/something (They ran from the approaching soldiers.); run away from someone/something (The boy ran away from the barking dog.)

Similar words: flee, escape

Common phrases: run away, run from someone, run for safety

To be in charge of a business, organization, or activity and make sure it works properly.

• She runs a small shop.
• My parents ran a hotel for twenty years.
• Who is running the office while you are away?

Similar words: manage, lead, direct

Common phrases: run a business, run a shop, run a school

To go somewhere quickly or hurry from place to place.

• I must run; I’m late.
• She ran around town looking for a gift.
• We have been running between meetings all day.

Similar words: hurry, rush

Common phrases: run around town, run all over, run to something

A journey on foot at a fast pace, often for exercise or enjoyment.

• I enjoyed my morning run.
• Shall we go for a run?
• Her daily runs help her stay fit.

How to use it: go for a run (We went for a run before breakfast.)

Similar words: jog

Common phrases: go for a run, morning run, five-mile run, daily run

A short or hurried trip to get something or do a job.

• I’ll make a coffee run.
• She did the school run this morning.
• We made two runs to the store for supplies.

How to use it: a run to something (I need to make a run to the supermarket.)

Similar words: trip, dash

Common phrases: make a run, school run, coffee run

A point in baseball, earned when a player safely reaches home after going around all the bases.

• Our team scored one run.
• They won by three runs.
• The runner crossed home plate for the winning run.

Common phrases: score a run, home run, winning run