Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

runout

American  
[ruhn-out] / ˈrʌnˌaʊt /

noun

  1. Machinery.

    1. the gradual termination of a groove on the body of an object not ending there, as the upper termination of a flute in a twist drill.

    2. Also called back clearance.  a space in a depressed area of an object into which a machine tool or grinding wheel may safely enter at the end of a pass or operation.

  2. the merging of a curved surface into another surface.

  3. an act or instance of running away so as to evade, abandon, or avoid something.

  4. a person who runs away so as to avoid payment or duty.

  5. an act or instance of expiring or becoming depleted.

    the runout of a union contract; a runout in office supplies.

  6. uneven wear on the outer edges of a tire or on the rim of a wheel.


Etymology

Origin of runout

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase run out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It was his third-longest runout in a Premier League match this season, taking his minutes for the campaign to 302.

From BBC Dec. 15, 2025

“The sheer volume of snow that is deposited in the runout zone is mind-boggling,” Nick Meyers, the center’s director, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 23, 2024

While searching at the base of the runout, rescuers saw a flashing light near a boulder field, which was more than 1,200 feet below where the man initially fell.

From Seattle Times Dec. 19, 2023

James soft-tossed the ball to D’Angelo Russell, leading to a transition runout for Minnesota that granted Taurean Prince a wide-open shot at a game-tying three-pointer.

From Washington Post Apr. 12, 2023

"Why don't you try making an IBM runout?"

From Master of None by Goble, Neil

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training