C1nounenvironmentnature
US/ˈrʌn.ɑːf/
UK/ˈrʌn.ɒf/
rainwater or melted snow that flows over the ground into rivers, carrying dirt and chemicals with it
In context
Fertilizer runoff from nearby farms is polluting the river.
Heavy rain increases the runoff and can cause flooding in low areas.
The city built new drains to reduce storm runoff.
Words that go with runoff
adjective + noun
- agricultural runoffAgricultural runoff is a major cause of water pollution.
- polluted runoffPolluted runoff harms fish and plants downstream.
noun + noun
- storm runoffStorm runoff carries oil from the roads into the lake.
verb + noun
- reduce runoffGreen roofs help reduce runoff during heavy rain.
- control runoffPlanting trees along the bank helps control runoff.
noun + preposition
- runoff from farmsRunoff from farms often contains fertilizer.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a runoffCorrect: runoff