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
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.
Just as runners map their route to avoid unnecessary hills or dangerous intersections, project leaders must anticipate obstacles and plan alternative pathways. Sarah Edwards, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Distance runner Parker Valby was named SEC Female Athlete of the Year in 2024, a year after gymnast Trinity Thomas earned the honor. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2025 Wisely, the Giants’ fastest runner off the bench, pinch-ran for Flores. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 July 2025 All three runners inherited by Barlow scored, giving Martinez 10 on the game and ballooning his ERA from 4.20 to 4.85 but helping the Reds’ bullpen. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for runner

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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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