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

Synonyms of runner

• smuggler

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

Road runners and anyone training for race day will love the soft, breathable upper and the layer of Helion dual-density superfoam that helps absorb impact from the street and creates a more responsive running experience. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025

The brand began working with female long-distance runners, and then kicked it up with investments in track, with high profile Olympians Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin. —Katie Abel, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025

Handcrafted walking sticks, placemats, table runners and brooms are available at Granville’s Broom and Fiber Shops, and broom making workshops are available. —Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Dec. 2025

The project was designed to provide an alternative for bicyclists, runners and pedestrians to use the busy Sutterville Road to get to the bike trail along the Sacramento River. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 Dec. 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

Kids Definition

runner

noun

run·​ner ˈrən-ər 

1

a

: one that runs

b

: base runner

2

: messenger

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