end run

1 of 2

noun

1
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line
specifically : sweep sense 3e
2
: an evasive trick or maneuver
made an end run around the regulations

end-run

2 of 2

verb

end-ran; end-running; end-runs

transitive verb

: to avoid artfully
end-running the law

Examples of end run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Here comes another start-up aiming to empower creators — and do an end run around traditional Hollywood studios. Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 May 2025 Tuesday’s announcement represents an end run around normal policy process for vaccine recommendations in the US, experts told Stat News. Cameron Peters, Vox, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
The federal administration is proposing an end-run that ignores the hard lessons of the past. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 To prevent the government from using Section 702 as an end-run around these constitutional and statutory requirements, Congress included two key provisions in the law. Elizabeth Goitein, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for end run

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of end run was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“End run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20run. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

end run

noun
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end

More from Merriam-Webster on end run

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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