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.

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Etymology

Origin of runout

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

Example Sentences

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

“Right now I’m checking the runout groove to see how much deviation there is,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 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