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Synonyms

runny

American  
[ruhn-ee] / ˈrʌn i /

adjective

runnier, runniest

  1. tending to run or drip.

    a runny paste.

  2. (of the nose) discharging mucus.

runny British  
/ ˈrʌnɪ /

adjective

  1. tending to flow; liquid

  2. (of the nose or nasal passages) exuding mucus

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of runny

First recorded in 1810–20; run + -y 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Ripe and runny. It’s been a hot spell here lately.”

From Literature

Maria’s brothers, with their perpetual runny noses, are summoned with a sniffly wipe.

From Los Angeles Times

I made a runny mush with the oats and held a spoonful to Gran’s mouth.

From Literature

Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, as well as a rash.

From Los Angeles Times

Touch plays its part too, binding tastes and smells together and fixing our preferences for runny or firm eggs, and the velvety, luxuriousness gooeyness of chocolate.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.