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Definition of runoff

runoff

/ˈrʌnˌɔːf/
(UK: run-off)
run · off
Plural:runoffs
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runoff Lexical Profile

runoff Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The draining away of water (or substances carried in it) from the surface of an area of land, a building, or a structure.

Example

"Heavy agricultural runoff containing excess fertilizers polluted the nearby river."

2

A further competition, election, race, or other contest held after a tie or inconclusive result in order to determine a clear winner.

Example

"Because no candidate secured an outright majority in the first round, the two top contenders advanced to a December runoff."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

The closed noun 'runoff' (a second election or surface water drainage) should not be confused with the two-word phrasal verb 'run off' (to flee or print copies).

• Nearby Words

runniness
running
runny
runoff
runt
runthrough
runtime

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Runoff. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/runoff
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