roadrunner

road·run·ner

noun \ˈrōd-ˌrə-nər\

Definition of ROADRUNNER

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

Illustration of ROADRUNNER

First Known Use of ROADRUNNER

1856

Rhymes with ROADRUNNER

base runner, forerunner, front-runner, gunrunner, race runner, rumrunner, shotgunner, stretch runner

roadrunner

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)—Russ Kinne/Photo Researchers

Either of two species of terrestrial cuckoo, especially Geococcyx californianus (family Cuculidae), of Mexican and southwestern U.S. deserts. About 22 in. (56 cm) long, they have streaked brown-and-white plumage, a short shaggy crest, bare blue and red skin behind the eyes, stout bluish legs, and a long tail carried at an angle. Clumsy, weak fliers, they prefer to run. Using their stout bill, they pound insects, lizards, and snakes to death, then swallow the victim head first. The lesser roadrunner (G. velox), of Mexico and Central America, is smaller, buffier, and less streaked.

Variants of ROADRUNNER

roadrunner or chaparral cock