runner

noun

run·​ner ˈrə-nər How to pronounce runner (audio)
1
a
: one that runs : racer
2
a
b
: one that smuggles or distributes illicit or contraband goods (such as drugs, liquor, or guns)
3
: any of several large vigorous carangid fishes
4
a
: either of the longitudinal pieces on which a sled or sleigh slides
b
: the part of a skate that slides on the ice : blade
c
: the support of a drawer or a sliding door
5
a
: an elongated horizontal stem arising from the base of a plant
especially : stolon sense 1a
b
: a plant (such as a strawberry) that forms or spreads by means of runners
c
: a twining vine (such as a scarlet runner bean)
6
a
: a long narrow carpet for a hall or staircase
b
: a narrow decorative cloth cover for a table or dresser top
7
: an adjustable backstay running from mast to rail on a sail boat or ship
8
: a running shot in basketball

Examples of runner in a Sentence

The runner slid into third base. sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast
Recent Examples on the Web The Guardians’ David Fry hit a chopper to KC shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who ran toward second but wasn’t able to beat the runner. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2024 Compared to the best-selling Moab 3 Hiking Boots, the Moab Speed 2 trail runners offer a sleeker, more breathable design that’s just as ready for adventure. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2024 Nicky Lopez hit a ground-rule double, giving the Sox runners on second and third with one out. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2024 In the bottom of the eighth, Liberty loaded the bases with two outs and tied the score on a single, but center fielder Jacob Shannon-Wilkerson threw out the runner at the plate trying to score from second to force a ninth inning. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for runner 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'runner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of runner was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near runner

Cite this Entry

“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner. Accessed 9 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

runner

noun
run·​ner ˈrən-ər How to pronounce runner (audio)
1
a
: one that runs
2
3
: a thin piece or part on which something slides
4
a
: a slender creeping stem that arises from the base of a plant
especially : stolon
b
: a plant (as a strawberry) that forms or spreads by runners
5
a
: a long narrow carpet (as for a hall)
b
: a narrow decorative cloth cover for a table or dresser top

More from Merriam-Webster on runner

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