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

• bootlegger
• contrabandist
• courier
• 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

These gifts are sure to keep your runner inspired, supported and ready for miles to come. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024

The foam is less cushy than other Hoka styles, so runners who like a firmer feel underfoot will appreciate this pair. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 4 Nov. 2024

Bailey, a finalist last year, caught 19 runners attempting to steal second base (most in the NL) in 64 attempts. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2024

Final runners cross the finish line at memorable TCS NYC Marathon Final runners cross the finish line at memorable TCS NYC Marathon 02:45 New York City marathon winners in the men's and women's divisions will each earn six figures for outpacing their competitors in the 26.2-mile race on Sunday. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024

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

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