run-on

[ ruhn-on, -awn ]

adjective

1. of or designating something that is added or run on:

   a run-on entry in a dictionary.

2. Prosody. (of a line of verse) having a thought that carries over to the next line, especially without a syntactical break.

noun

1. run-on matter.
2. Automotive. after-run.

run on

verb

1. intr to continue without interruption
2. to write with linked-up characters
3. printing to compose text matter without indentation or paragraphing

noun

1. printing
   1. text matter composed without indenting
   2. ( as modifier )

      run-on text matter

2. 1. a word added at the end of a dictionary entry whose meaning can be easily inferred from the definition of the headword
   2. ( as modifier )

      a run-on entry

Word History and Origins

Origin of run-on¹

First recorded in 1900–05; adj., noun use of verb phrase run on

Example Sentences

The impulse to exaggerate — and vent his frustration in run-on sentences with odd punctuation and random capitalization — is a sure sign Trump is in a swivet.

From Los Angeles Times

But if the above resembles a run-on sentence, here’s the reason: the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance defies easy description.

From Seattle Times

Bowl at 4:30 p.m. at SoFi Stadium against Mountain West champion Boise State solely as a full-stop punctuation mark for this run-on season.

From Los Angeles Times

Winding, run-on sentences are common; so are fishermen.

From New York Times

There was a coy, sometimes run-on exuberance about many indie bands in the aughts, though few encapsulated that as expressively as the Welsh group Los Campesinos!

From New York Times

Related Words

• advance
• carry on
• carry over
• endure
• extend
• go on
• last
• linger
• maintain
• persist
• progress
• promote
• pursue
• reach
• remain
• stay
• survive
• sustain