runabout

noun

run·​about ˈrə-nə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce runabout (audio)
1
: one who wanders about : stray
2
: a light usually open wagon, car, or motorboat

Examples of runabout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Modern classics, such as the mahogany runabouts from builders like Grand Craft and Hacker, are purposely designed to look like boats from the 1930s. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025 But here’s the thing: scooters in the US are typically categorized for city runabouts but not much more. New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2025 Not so in China, where manufacturers have developed a range of cheap and cheerful little EV runabouts which can be bought for as little as $7,000 before tax. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Tour guides here say that the only thing allowed on the property that wasn’t designed by Wright was a Thompson TVT boat, a small, wooden runabout. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for runabout

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of runabout was in 1549

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Cite this Entry

“Runabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runabout. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

runabout

noun
run·​about ˈrən-ə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce runabout (audio)
: a small motorboat used especially for pleasure

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