run across

1 of 1verb

/ˈrʌn əˈkrɔs/

Forms:runs across,running across,ran across,run across

1

to meet someone unexpectedly

transitive

I ran across an old friend from high school at the mall yesterday.
On my way to the store, I ran across an old neighbor I hadn't seen in years.
While attending a concert, I ran across a distant relative I hadn't seen in years.
During the neighborhood block party, I ran across my childhood friend who had recently moved back to town.
During the conference, I ran across a renowned expert in the field of astrophysics.

Synonyms:

come across meet run into see encounter

2

to find something unexpectedly

transitive

I ran across an old photo album while cleaning out the attic.
She ran across an interesting article while researching online.
When I was sorting through old files, I ran across a handwritten letter from my grandparents.
While exploring the city, I ran across a quaint, undiscovered café.
While hiking in the woods, I ran across a hidden waterfall.