runny

adjective

run·​ny ˈrə-nē How to pronounce runny (audio)
Synonyms of runnynext
: 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

Synonyms of runny

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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.
Common measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rash three to five days after other signs of illness. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a rash. — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Common measles symptoms include fever (higher than 101 degrees), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that appears around three to five days after other signs of illness. — Ema Sasic, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees, a runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for runny

See All Rhymes for runny

Browse Nearby Words

running wheel
runny
Runnymede
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runny. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of runny for Spanish Speakers

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