English · Word Candidate

runoff

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: runoffs

Sense 1

Meaning · English

That portion of precipitation or irrigation on an area which does not infiltrate or evaporate, but instead is discharged from the area.

Noun

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Dissolved chemicals, etc, included in such water.

Noun

Examples

The runoff of nitrates is poisoning the lake.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

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.

Is “runoff” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.