Runny

Runny is an adjective describing a substance that flows easily or has a thin, liquid consistency. It is used for liquids or semi‑liquids that are not thick or viscous, such as runny sauce, runny honey, or a runny soup. The term can also describe foods that are partially liquid, such as a runny yolk in a fried egg, where the center remains liquid rather than set.

In everyday language, runny is frequently paired with body states or medical contexts. A runny nose refers to rhinorrhea, the discharge of mucus from the nasal passages, a symptom commonly associated with colds, allergies, or irritants. Runny noses can occur with other nasal symptoms such as congestion or sneezing and are typically self-limited, though persistent or severe nasal discharge may warrant medical attention.

Runny can also appear in culinary or safety contexts. Runny eggs describe eggs with liquid yolk, a texture prized in soft-boiled or poached preparations. Food safety guidance generally encourages cooking eggs to appropriate temperatures to minimize the risk of foodborne illness, particularly when serving to vulnerable individuals. In textiles and fabric care, “color run” or dye run describes dye bleeding from one fabric onto another during washing, signaling issues with colorfastness.

Etymology traces runny to the verb run, with the -y suffix forming an adjective indicating a state or quality. The term has been in use in English to describe flowing or dripping characteristics for many centuries.