end run

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of end runnext
1
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line
specifically : sweep sense 3e
2
: an evasive trick or maneuver
made an end run around the regulations

end-run

2 of 2

verb

ˈend-ˌrən How to pronounce end-run (audio)
end-ran; end-running; end-runs

transitive verb

: to avoid artfully
end-running the law

Examples of end run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That sort of end run would not be without precedent. — Sacramento Bee Contributor, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026 Yes, some of the Gen V kids, for sure, show up, more towards the end run. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Dudek got the job, wittingly or not, through an end-run around his bosses. — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025 With a global start in excess of half a million, the sequel is on track to blow past the first film's global end-run of $1 billion. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for end run

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of end run was in 1902

Rhymes for end run

See All Rhymes for end run

Browse Nearby Words

endrumpf
end run
end-run
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“End run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20run. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

end run

noun
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end

More from Merriam-Webster on end run

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for end run

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