outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran ˌau̇t-ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1
: to run faster than
2
: exceed, surpass
his ambitions outrun his abilities

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs. His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.
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.
Developing studio Jump Over the Age put yeoman’s work into Citizen Sleeper’s worldbuilding, especially all the other lonely souls on this starship — each of whom seem to be outrunning something, or someone. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025 Enhancing Data Security And Identity Verification Each year, cybersecurity threats grow exponentially as business leaders try to outrun bad actors in the race to protect sensitive data. Alvin Kan, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Get ready to have several new fears unlocked, courtesy of Final Destination Bloodlines, the latest entry in the blockbuster franchise about trying (and often failing) to outrun death. Shania Russell, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2025 The price for this ability to outrun inflation by a sizable margin and compound wealth has been periods of painful and unforeseeable declines. Bill Stone, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outrun

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outrun was in 1526

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Cite this Entry

“Outrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrun. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

outrun

verb
out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran -ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning
1
: to run or go faster than
2
: exceed sense 1
our needs outran our funds
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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