Definition

1. Noun:
   • A final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner: A second election held between the top candidates when no single candidate achieved the required majority in the first election.
   • The occurrence of surplus liquid (as water) exceeding the limit or capacity: Water from rain, snowmelt, or other sources that flows over the land surface, often into streams, rivers, or other bodies of water, because the ground is saturated, impervious, or cannot absorb it quickly enough.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Election):
  • The two leading candidates will face each other in a runoff next month.
  • Because no candidate won over 50% of the vote, a runoff is required by law.
• Noun (Water):
  • Heavy rains caused significant runoff, which led to flooding in the streets.
  • Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers can pollute rivers and lakes.

Advanced Usage

• "To force a runoff": To cause a situation where a second election is necessary.
  • The third-party candidate performed well enough to force a runoff between the two major candidates.
• "Stormwater runoff": A specific term for runoff generated by rainfall or snowmelt.
  • The city built new drains to manage stormwater runoff more effectively.

Variants and Related Words

• Run off (phrasal verb): To leave quickly or flee.
  • He saw the police and decided to run off.
• Runoff election (compound noun): A more specific term for the electoral meaning.
  • The runoff election will determine the new mayor.

Synonyms

• For election: Second ballot, final vote.
• For water: Overflow, surface flow, drainage.

Related Phrases

• "Head into a runoff": To proceed to a second election.
  • The election is likely to head into a runoff.
• "Control/Reduce runoff": To manage the flow of excess water.
  • Planting grass helps to reduce runoff and soil erosion.

Noun

1. a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner
2. the occurrence of surplus liquid (as water) exceeding the limit or capacity