runny

Something is "runny" when it is thinner and more watery than you want or expect, so it moves too easily. Think of honey after it gets warm, soup that needs to be thicker, or paint that is too thin to cover a wall well. People also use it for the body, as in a runny nose or runny eyes.

Picture someone cracking open a fried egg and seeing the soft yellow center spill onto the toast. That helps show the idea: it has not thickened or stayed in place, and it moves easily.

The word "runny" describes something that is thin, watery, and able to flow easily instead of staying thick or firm. It is often used when something has more liquid in it than expected or has not thickened enough. For example, you might say the honey became runny after being warmed, or that a sauce was too runny because it needed more cooking.

"Runny" is very common when talking about food. A runny egg yolk stays soft and liquid in the middle. Gravy, soup, batter, icing, or yogurt can also be called runny when they are thinner than they should be. In these cases, the word often suggests that the texture is not quite right, though sometimes it is wanted, as with a runny yolk.

The word is also used for the body. A runny nose means liquid is coming from the nose because of a cold, allergies, or irritation. Runny eyes are eyes that keep filling with tears or water. In everyday English, these are among the most common uses of the word.

People may also use "runny" for things like paint, mascara, or ink when they become too thin, smear easily, or do not stay where they should. So whether you are talking about food, a cold, or a messy liquid, "runny" usually suggests something thin and flowing, often more than desired.