runt

noun

ˈrənt 

1

chiefly Scotland : a hardened stalk or stem of a plant

2

: an animal unusually small of its kind

especially : the smallest of a litter of pigs

3

usually disparaging : a person of small stature

runtiness

ˈrən-tē-nəs 

noun

runtish

ˈrən-tish 

adjective

runty

ˈrən-tē 

adjective

Synonyms of runt

• dwarf
• diminutive
• toy

Examples of runt in a Sentence

the runt of the litter

one kitten was definitely the runt, weighing only six ounces at birth

Recent Examples on the Web

Even breeding the runt of the litter can be a dangerous game, according to Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinary medical advisor for Rover. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Turns out, the proverbial runt of the litter may have an edge. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Two puppies were stillborn, but the team was able to successfully deliver and save the smallest puppy, the runt of the litter. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Seek Out Small Specimens Don’t reject the runts. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

runt

noun

ˈrənt 

: an unusually small person or animal

runty

-ē 

adjective