runner
noun
run·ner
| \ ˈrə-nər
\
\
Definition of runner
2a
: 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
4a
: 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
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)
6a
: 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
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Synonyms for runner
Synonyms
bootlegger, contrabandist, courier, smuggler
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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
Von Clemm placed second in the field of 86 runners in 59:43. — Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News, "2 Anchorage women claim titles in Montana races," 1 Sep. 2019 Leaving her stilettos at home, the model also opted for a chunky pair of lace-up runners—to slip on and off for security!—and further accessorized with a quilted top-handle bag by Versace, large black sunglasses, and gold jewelry. — Vogue, "Irina Shayk Finds the Most Relatable Airport Style Hack," 29 Aug. 2019 The use of runners and waiting for favorable weather conditions has led to some criticism of Kipchoge's record attempt. — Ben Morse, CNN, "'It will be like standing on the moon': Eliud Kipchoge hoping to make history with sub two-hour marathon," 27 Aug. 2019 Kee was one of 20 runners who were a crucial communication lifeline between units and from command posts to the front lines. — New York Times, "Overlooked No More: Lau Sing Kee, War Hero Jailed for Helping Immigrants," 25 Aug. 2019 Analysis by expert trackers reveals that the group, presumably an extended family, was moving at the steady pace of long-distance runners. — David Maurice Smith, Smithsonian, "A 42,000-Year-Old Man Finally Goes Home," 23 Aug. 2019 Fort Bend Christian had one of the top female runners in Taylor Dailey (10th, 12:42). — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "George Ranch girls cross country runner-up at Dawson," 19 Aug. 2019 Schumacher coaches an extraordinary volume of runners, and has the respect of his pupils. — John Canzano, oregonlive.com, "John Canzano’s Top 25 most influential people in Oregon sports for 2019," 17 Aug. 2019 The event blended a family-type atmosphere with the serious competition of international-caliber runners. — Mike Peticca, cleveland.com, "2019 Guardian Mile: Shannon Osika sets Ohio record; top four men break 4 minutes," 17 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'runner.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for runner
runner
noun
English Language Learners Definition of runner
: a person who runs as part of a sport, for exercise, or in a race
: an animal (such as a horse) that runs in a race
: a person who delivers messages, reports, materials, or products either within a business or organization or to outside locations
See the full definition for runner in the English Language Learners Dictionary
runner
noun
run·ner
| \ ˈrə-nər
\
\
Kids Definition of runner
1
: a person or animal that runs
2
: a thin piece or part on or in which something slides
the runners on a sled
3
: messenger
4
: a slender creeping branch of a plant that roots at the end or at the joints to form new plants
5
: a long narrow carpet (as for a hall)
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