runoff

[ruhn-awf, -of]

runoff Definition

• 1. the draining away of water (or substances carried in it) from the surface of an area of land, a building or structure, etc.
• 2. an election in which the two leading candidates in the first round compete, usually because no candidate received a majority of the votes cast

Using runoff: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "runoff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The runoff from the heavy rain flooded the streets.

• Example

  The runoff from the factory polluted the nearby river.

• Example

  The runoff election will be held next month.

• Example

  The candidate won the runoff with a narrow margin.

runoff Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for runoff

• drainage
• overflow
• spillover
• second round

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Summary: runoff in Brief

The term 'runoff' [ruhn-awf, -of] refers to the draining away of water or substances from a surface, as well as a second round of voting in an election. Examples of runoff include the overflow from heavy rain or a factory, and the runoff election held when no candidate receives a majority of votes. Synonyms for runoff include 'drainage' and 'spillover.'