runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrə-nē How to pronounce runny (audio)
: having a tendency to run: such as
a
: extremely or excessively soft and liquid
a runny dough
b
: secreting a thin flow of mucus
a runny nose

Examples of runny in a Sentence

The scrambled eggs are runny. The pudding is runnier than I like it. a little boy with a runny nose My eyes felt itchy and runny.
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.
Measles is an airborne disease, and can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination rates, and initially results in symptoms including a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, and red or watery eyes, according to the CDC. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 That’s because there are hundreds of viruses that can cause the common cold, and most healthy people with run-of-the-mill symptoms like a runny nose, congestion and fatigue don’t need testing to identify the type of virus or to distinguish between these viruses from the flu or Covid-19. Katia Hetter, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 For those with allergies, these particles can be inhaled and trigger annoying symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025 One study found that taking 500 milligrams of curcumin daily for two months may improve sneezing, runny nose, itching, and congestion.2 Improve mental health: Some research suggests that curcumin doses of at least 1 gram daily can improve symptoms associated with depression. Alex Yampolsky, Health, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for runny 

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of runny was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near runny

Cite this Entry

“Runny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runny. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

runny

adjective
run·​ny ˈrən-ē How to pronounce runny (audio)
runnier; runniest
1
: too soft and liquid
the scrambled eggs are runny
2
: giving off a liquid
a runny nose

Medical Definition

runny

adjective
run·​ny ˈrən-ē How to pronounce runny (audio)
: secreting a thin flow of mucus
a runny nose

More from Merriam-Webster on runny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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