What does running mean?
“Running” is a versatile word that most commonly describes something continuing to operate or take place. It appears in phrases such as “running costs,” “running water,” and “a running commentary,” where it suggests continuity, activity, or close accompaniment. The noun can refer to the activity of moving quickly on foot, the operation or management of a business or system, or a race. As a verb form, it shows that an action is in progress: “She is running late,” for example, can mean that she is moving quickly or that an activity has not yet been completed. Although the basic image is physical movement, the word also extends metaphorically to businesses, processes, rivers, machines, and other systems that operate continuously. It is especially useful because it conveys both activity and continuity in a single familiar expression.
Continuing in operation, occurring without interruption, or connected with running or racing.
"The factory is a fully running operation with three separate production lines."
Common in expressions involving businesses, systems, water, costs, and events.
The activity of moving quickly on foot; the operation or management of something; or a race.
"Her daily running has improved both her stamina and her concentration."
The present participle of “run,” used to indicate continuous or simultaneous action.
"The children are running around the field."
This form is used in progressive verb constructions and in several fixed expressions.
Rare; the plural is used chiefly for separate instances or periods of running, especially in racing or in the sense of management or operation. “Running” is normally uncountable when referring to the activity or operation itself.
"The club recorded several outstanding runnings during the season."
The word “running” can describe both a marathon runner and the steady movement of a business, river, or clock.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does running come from?
“Running” derives from the Old English verb “rinnan,” which meant to move quickly or hurry and also to flee or flow. The modern form developed through Middle English and is built using the present-participle suffix “-ing.” Related forms include the noun “runner,” while several Germanic languages have cognates in the same broad sense, including German “rennen,” Swedish “ränna,” and Icelandic “renna.”
Related word forms
How running is actually used
The adjective is common in business, technology, public services, and general descriptions of ongoing activity. In phrases such as “running commentary,” it suggests continuing or accompanying something closely. The noun can denote either the physical activity, the operation of an organization or system, or a race.
Easily confused with running
“Running” means operating or moving along, whereas “routing” means directing something along a particular course or path.