roadrunner

noun

road·​run·​ner ˈrōd-ˌrə-nər 

: a largely terrestrial bird (Geococcyx californianus) of the cuckoo family that has a long tail and a crest, is a speedy runner, and inhabits arid regions from the southwestern U.S. to Mexico

also : a closely related bird (G. velox) of Mexico and Central America

Illustration of roadrunner

Examples of roadrunner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For years, the Padres have been the coyote chasing the roadrunner. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025

Students stood on their feet and waved their hands to win soccer balls for answering trivia questions about roadrunners, the school’s mascot. —Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Arizona also boasts unique species like the roadrunner, the state mammal ringtail, and the pronghorn antelope. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025

Putting trail cameras out at those locations showed squirrels, rabbits, quail and even a roadrunner dropping by to kick up the dust and take a leisurely bath. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for roadrunner

• forerunner
• brunner
• gunnar
• gunner
• runner
• tonner

Kids Definition

roadrunner

noun

road·​run·​ner ˈrō-ˌdrən-ər 

: a long-tailed ground-dwelling bird of the southwestern U.S. that usually travels by running

called also chaparral bird, chaparral cock