speedrun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (gaming), Internet slang.
Quick answer
What does “speedrun” mean?
The act of completing a video game as fast as possible, often exploiting glitches and optimal routes, typically with a timed goal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of completing a video game as fast as possible, often exploiting glitches and optimal routes, typically with a timed goal.
Any attempt to complete a task, process, or series of steps in the minimum possible time, often for challenge, entertainment, or optimization. Can be used metaphorically outside gaming contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations within gaming and internet communities globally.
Frequency
Equally frequent in online gaming discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “speedrun” in a Sentence
[Subject] speedruns [Object (game/task)][Subject] does/attempts/completes a speedrun of [Object][Subject] sets a speedrun record in [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speedrun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He plans to speedrun the new indie game this weekend.
- She's been speedrunning Zelda for months to perfect her route.
American English
- I'm gonna speedrun my taxes tonight.
- They speedran the entire meeting to finish by noon.
adjective
British English
- The speedrun community is very supportive.
- He held a speedrun marathon for charity.
American English
- She's a top speedrun contender.
- Check out this speedrun video on YouTube.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorical: 'We need to speedrun this product launch to beat the competitor.'
Academic
Very rare. Limited to studies of gaming culture or time optimization.
Everyday
Increasingly common in tech-savvy circles. 'I'm going to speedrun my chores this morning.'
Technical
Standard term within video game development, streaming, and esports commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speedrun”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speedrun”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speedrun”
- Using it without a clear endpoint (e.g., 'I speedran watching TV' is odd). Confusing it with simply 'rushing' (a speedrun has rules/timing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, especially online and in gaming contexts, it is almost universally written as one word: 'speedrun'.
Yes, verb usage is very common (e.g., 'to speedrun a game', 'he speedran it'). The past tense is typically 'speedran'.
It refers to a speedrun category where the goal is simply to reach the end credits as fast as possible, using any means necessary (glitches, skips), without requiring 100% completion of items or objectives.
No, not within the speedrunning community. It is a distinct, rule-based form of play. Using external tools or mods during a run ('tool-assisted' or TAS) is a separate category from 'live' human-played runs.
The act of completing a video game as fast as possible, often exploiting glitches and optimal routes, typically with a timed goal.
Speedrun is usually informal, technical (gaming), internet slang. in register.
Speedrun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiːd.rʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspiːd.rʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to speedrun life (humorous, metaphorical)”
- “to speedrun through [something] (to do hastily)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SPEED' + 'RUN' = a run where speed is the primary goal. Like a sprint in a race, but for a whole game or task.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TASK IS A RACETRACK; COMPLETING A TASK QUICKLY IS RUNNING FAST ON A PREDEFINED COURSE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'speedrun' LEAST likely to be used literally?