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.
Robert also produced the film, which followed a group of Southern whiskey runners getting into chases and conflicts with federal agents. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025 In an interview with Flow Space, pro runner D’Amato shares five lessons about finding joy in midlife by taking on new challenges—and battling the fear, doubt, and failure that come with the desire to reach new heights. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 3 Oct. 2025 Also produced by Robert, the movie, about Southern whiskey runners pitted against federal agents and organized crime, was filled with car chases and stunts. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Human runners, wearing 7-foot-tall foam costumes with goofy faces and colorful features depicting a Bratwurst, Polish, Italian, Hot Dog and Chorizo, race each other around home plate on the warning track. Don Riddell, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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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