Definition

Describing something that is soft and liquid, often flowing or leaking, like a nose that produces mucus or a food that is not solid.

Example

She had a runny nose because of her cold.

Conversation

I can't believe how runny my nose has been this season.

Yeah, everyone's getting those allergies now.

I hope it doesn't get worse; I hate having a runny nose all the time.

Same here! I just want to enjoy the spring without all this sneezing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Runny → The word 'runny' is derived from the verb 'run' (from Old English 'rinnan', meaning to flow or move swiftly) with the addition of the suffix '-y' (meaning characterized by). Thus, 'runny' describes something that is characterized by flowing or moving like a liquid.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'flows' ('run') and is 'characterized by' ('-y') that flow — that's why we say something is runny when it has a liquid consistency.

Visually Confused Words