run·down
ˈrən-ˌdau̇n
1
: an item-by-item report or review : summary
2
: a play in baseball in which a base runner who is caught off base is chased by two or more opposing players who throw the ball from one to another in an attempt to tag the runner out
ran down; run down; running down; runs down
1
a
: to collide with and knock down
b
: to run against and cause to sink
2
a
: to chase to exhaustion or until captured
The cops ran the thief down in an alley.
b
: to find (someone or something) after searching
c
: to tag out (a base runner) between bases on a rundown
3
: disparage
was always running himself down
4
: to say or repeat from beginning to end
ran down the list of names
1
: to cease to operate because of the exhaustion of motive power
the clock ran down
2
: to decline in physical condition or vigor
Cite this Entry
“Rundown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rundown. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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