runny

American  

[ruhn-ee] / ˈrʌn i /

adjective

runnier, runniest

1. tending to run or drip.

   a runny paste.

2. (of the nose) discharging mucus.

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runny British  

/ ˈrʌnɪ /

adjective

1. tending to flow; liquid

2. (of the nose or nasal passages) exuding mucus

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Etymology

Origin of runny

First recorded in 1810–20; run + -y ¹

Explanation

Anything runny is dripping or flowing like liquid. If you have a runny nose, you should probably stuff some tissues into your pocket (or just use your sleeve). Melting ice cream is runny, dripping from your cone down your arm, and an over-easy fried egg is cooked just enough so that the yolk is a little bit runny. A completely raw egg is obviously runny, and so is the nose of a person with a cold. If you're sniffling and sneezing, your nose is probably runny, or dripping with mucus.

Example Sentences

Touch plays its part too, binding tastes and smells together and fixing our preferences for runny or firm eggs, and the velvety, luxuriousness gooeyness of chocolate.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

Common symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, pink eye and rash.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

It can be too runny, too clumpy, too salty, not salty enough, burned, sticky and, frankly, not very good at all.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025

These children often have a cold or runny nose and a cough that worsens at night or early morning, recurring every few weeks.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

The handkerchief he had brought with him from Germany wasn't to be used for a runny nose or wiping away tears.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• colorless
• damp
• moist