runner

noun

run·​ner ˈrə-nər 

1

a

: one that runs : racer

b

: base runner

c

: ballcarrier

2

a

: messenger

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

Start with a neutral tablecloth, add a runner or greenery, and sprinkle in a few candles. —Essence, 14 Nov. 2025

The 5-foot-11, 211-pound running back might be among the most violent runners in one of the most violent games in the world. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Nov. 2025

Retro runners Everyone needs a good pair of athletic sneakers in their closet, and one of the hottest silhouettes going into the new year is the ’70s track shoe. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 14 Nov. 2025

Without Pacheco, the Chiefs lose their reliable downhill runner for clock management and short-yardage gains. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing runner

• base runner
• blockade-runner
• do a runner
• front-runner
• rainbow runner
• runner bean
• runner's high
• runner-up
• scarlet runner bean
• show runner
• stretch runner

Rhymes for runner

• brunner
• gunnar
• gunner
• tonner
• forerunner