outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran ˌau̇t-ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1
: to run faster than
2
: exceed, surpass
his ambitions outrun his abilities

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs. His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.
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.
Was his escape to Overcomer a bid to outrun someone else, or simply his own past? Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024 The simple life turns out to be anything but simple in this brilliantly observed tragicomedy, as the consequences of Strings’ success and mind-bending effects of his fame prove all but impossible to outrun. Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2024 Caveat: Metro Atlanta unemployment is low, inflation is dropping and the U.S. economy is outrunning every other major democracy's, according to the Wall Street Journal. Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 The series habitually outruns its own story, an ouroboros that moves forward only to find itself back on the beach in Italy. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outrun 

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outrun was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near outrun

Cite this Entry

“Outrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrun. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

outrun

verb
out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən How to pronounce outrun (audio)
outran -ˈran How to pronounce outrun (audio) ; outrun; outrunning
1
: to run or go faster than
2
: exceed sense 1
our needs outran our funds

More from Merriam-Webster on outrun

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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