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.
The exterior—a channeled, smooth face that vents heat while remaining warm—is soft enough to wipe a runny nose. Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024 Measles symptoms commonly include a high fever, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye), runny nose, white spots in the mouth and a rash that spreads from head to toe. Daniella Silva, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 Walking pneumonia shares symptoms with common upper respiratory infections, such as fever, runny nose, and cough, which aren’t specific to any particular virus or bacteria. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024 Common symptoms for most individuals include cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and possibly a fever. Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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