run-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌəp 

1

: the act of running up something

2

: a usually sudden increase in volume or price

3

: a period immediately preceding an action or event

run up

2 of 2

verb

ran up; run up; running up; runs up

intransitive verb

: to grow rapidly : shoot up

transitive verb

1

: bid up

2

: to stitch together quickly

3

: to erect hastily

4

: to achieve by accumulating

ran up a big lead

Examples of run-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There will be no long run-up to the season with hours spent preparing her mind and body to compete for 30-plus games. —Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025

The recent run-up in rental rates looks to be in the rear-view mirror. —Robert Barone, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Verb

Moya told the outlet that amidst their search, the couple’s two living dogs — Bear and Nikita — continuously ran up to them barking and running off in a different direction. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Most HOAs do not allow homeowners to contact the HOA’s legal counsel, because boards do not want bills run up from homeowner calls unless the board has approved the expense in advance. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for run-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

run up

verb

: to cause to pile up : accumulate

ran up a big telephone bill