Synonyms of runnernext
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.
Hundreds of runners in purple briefs took to the streets of Johannesburg last Friday to raise awareness of prostate cancer. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers opened the bottom of the first with consecutive singles to put runners on the corners. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Even the afternoon’s custom table runners, made from archival fabric by FIT Menswear students, nodded to the designer’s signature ikat print, first introduced in 1983. — Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Or could draw your attention to how Tampa has gone 3-20 with runners in scoring position through the first two games of this Fall Classic. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 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 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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