Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the runs

slang/idiomatic expression
/ðə rʌnz/
Definition
A colloquial term used to describe diarrhea, characterized by frequent and urgent bowel movements that are typically loose or watery.
Examples
  • After eating that street food, I ended up with the runs.
  • I had to cancel my plans because I was suffering from the runs all day.
  • The doctor advised me to stay hydrated when I have the runs.
Meaning
The phrase ‘the runs’ refers to a digestive condition that causes the body to pass stools that are not solid, often accompanied by a sense of urgency.
Synonyms
  • diarrhea
  • loose stools
  • the trots