run-on

[ ruhn-on, -awn ]

adjective

1. of or designating something that is added or run on:

   a run-on entry in a dictionary.

2. Prosody. (of a line of verse) having a thought that carries over to the next line, especially without a syntactical break.

noun

1. run-on matter.
2. Automotive. after-run.

run on

verb

1. intr to continue without interruption
2. to write with linked-up characters
3. printing to compose text matter without indentation or paragraphing

noun

1. printing
   1. text matter composed without indenting
   2. ( as modifier )

      run-on text matter

2. 1. a word added at the end of a dictionary entry whose meaning can be easily inferred from the definition of the headword
   2. ( as modifier )

      a run-on entry

Word History and Origins

Origin of run-on¹

First recorded in 1900–05; adj., noun use of verb phrase run on

Example Sentences

I have computed the figures for The Fatal Dowry in regard to double or feminine endings and run-on lines.

From Project Gutenberg

The French name enjambement is sometimes used to designate a "run-on" line.

From Project Gutenberg

There is always a pause at the end of a line in Old English; run-on lines are uncommon.

From Project Gutenberg

The dominant characteristic of this verse is its avoidance of enjambement, or run-on lines, still more of run-on couplets.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a fairly free use of run-on lines; according to Schipper, 35 in the first 250 of the translation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advance
• carry on
• carry over
• endure
• extend
• go on
• last
• linger
• maintain
• persist
• progress
• promote
• pursue
• reach
• remain
• stay
• survive
• sustain