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
This is a desperate attempt to do an end run around the French people. The Editors, National Review, 4 Apr. 2025 Another way to do an end run around sodium is to get your crunch from veggies, which get extra points for also providing heart-healthy potassium. Michael Merschel/ American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
Large Chinese banks tightened transactions with Russia in response to sanctions pressures, but at the same time numerous Chinese cut-outs and smaller banks became involved in creating ways to end-run them. Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 To some, pouring private dollars into nonprofits that mobilize voters and build movements seems like an end-run around laws limiting tax-exempt organizations’ ability to get involved in politics. Alex Daniels, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 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 18 Apr. 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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