runaround

noun

run·​around ˈrə-nə-ˌrau̇nd How to pronounce runaround (audio)
1
: deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request
tired of getting the runaround
2
: matter typeset in shortened measure to run around something (such as a cut)

Examples of runaround in a Sentence

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.
Ask direct questions if someone is giving you the runaround. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024 Exorbitant legal fees and bureaucratic runarounds require property owners to follow a list of tedious rules to reclaim their property. Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 July 2024 That’s when Rambo started to give them the runaround, Patel said. Emily Brindley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2024 In today’s crossword, Trent H. Evans gives us the runaround, using a distinctive theme style. Sam Corbin, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for runaround 

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of runaround was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near runaround

Cite this Entry

“Runaround.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runaround. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

runaround

noun
run·​around ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd How to pronounce runaround (audio)
: deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request

Medical Definition

runaround

noun
run·​around ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd How to pronounce runaround (audio)
: a whitlow encircling a fingernail or toenail

More from Merriam-Webster on runaround

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!