What does "runoff" mean?
That portion of precipitation or irrigation on an area which does not infiltrate or evaporate, but instead is discharged from the area.
Runoff
noun
noun ·2 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That portion of precipitation or irrigation on an area which does not infiltrate or evaporate, but instead is discharged from the area.
- Grammar: runoff is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bout, by-election, caucus, closed primary.
- Useful contrasts: first round, infiltration, infiltration-friendly.
- Usage evidence: The Southwest, Great Plains, and Southeast are particularly vulnerable to changes in water supply and demand. Changes in precipitation and runoff, combined with changes in consumption and withdrawal, have reduced surface and groundwater supplies in many areas. These trends are expected to continue, increasing the likelihood of water shortages for many uses.
How to use "runoff"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "runoff" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "runoff" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "runoff" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "runoff" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "runoff" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bout" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "runoff", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That portion of precipitation or irrigation on an area which does not infiltrate or evaporate, but instead is discharged from the area. countable, uncountable
"The next series of high tides or large waves will tend to rebuild the berm and redam the stream. Ultimately, increased runoff due to fall or winter rains will raise the stream level to the point where it breaks through."
- 2 a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner wordnet
- 3 Dissolved chemicals, etc, included in such water. countable, uncountable
"The runoff of nitrates is poisoning the lake."
- 4 the occurrence of surplus liquid (as water) exceeding the limit or capacity wordnet
- 5 A second or further round of a competition, after other competitors (often all but the last two) have been eliminated. countable, uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A second or further round of an indecisive election, after other candidates (often all but the last two) have been eliminated. countable, uncountable
"There will now be a runoff as neither front runner received more than 50% of the vote."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The Southwest, Great Plains, and Southeast are particularly vulnerable to changes in water supply and demand. Changes in precipitation and runoff, combined with changes in consumption and withdrawal, have reduced surface and groundwater supplies in many areas. These trends are expected to continue, increasing the likelihood of water shortages for many uses."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "runoff"?
Common synonyms include: bout, by-election, caucus, closed primary, congressional election, contest.
How do you use "runoff" in a sentence?
The Southwest, Great Plains, and Southeast are particularly vulnerable to changes in water supply and demand. Changes in precipitation and runoff, combined with changes in consumption and withdrawal, have reduced surface and groundwater supplies in many areas. These trends are expected to continue, increasing the likelihood of water shortages for many uses.
Etymology
Deverbal from run off.