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.
Symptoms of whooping cough include: A common cold (also called Coryza), including typical symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and congestion. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 The spring allergy season has arrived, meaning that millions of people across the United States are now contending with runny noses, itchy eyes, and congestion. Sarah Cottone, Health, 16 Apr. 2025 Measles is an airborne illness with symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red and water eyes, white spots inside the mouth and a rash. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2025 But your defense strategy doesn’t have to stop there, especially when your symptoms (hello, sneezing, hacking, and a nonstop runny nose) are making life miserable. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 15 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runny. Accessed 22 Apr. 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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