Runner
'rʌnər
Definitions
3 meaningsA person or animal that runs, especially in a race or for exercise.
'rʌnər
A person or animal that runs.
The best runners will compete in the final.
💡 Simply: A runner is someone who moves quickly on foot. Imagine a dog running in the park or a person competing in a race—that's a runner!
👶 For kids: A runner is someone who runs! Like when you play tag or race your friends.
More Examples
She is a very fast runner.
The runners lined up at the starting line.
How It's Used
"The marathon had thousands of runners."
"The package was delivered by a fast runner."
A long, narrow strip of material, especially for covering a floor or path; a stem or shoot that grows along the ground and forms roots, creating new plants.
'rʌnər
Something that moves or spreads.
The bride walked down the red runner.
💡 Simply: A runner can also be something that moves along. Think about a small carpet runner in your hallway, or how strawberry plants grow by sending out long stems.
👶 For kids: A runner can also be a long thing that's like a rug, or a plant stem that helps the plant grow more.
More Examples
The strawberry plant sent out a runner.
We put a runner in the hallway to protect the floor.
How It's Used
"Strawberry plants spread through runners."
"They laid a runner down the hallway."
A person or thing that delivers messages, carries items, or performs tasks in a hurry.
'rʌnər
A person or thing that performs a specific function.
The waiter acted as the runner for the kitchen.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a runner is someone who quickly carries things for someone else. Like a waiter carrying food from the kitchen.
👶 For kids: A runner can also be someone who helps move things quickly. For example, the person that delivers the food from the kitchen to your table!
More Examples
The runner delivered the urgent documents to the CEO.
The stage manager used runners to get props.
How It's Used
"The waiter was the runner for the kitchen."
"A runner quickly delivers the message."
Idioms & expressions
runner-up
A person or team that finishes second in a competition.
"He was the runner-up in the race."
From Middle English runner, from Old English *rynnere* (found in the 14th century), agent noun of *rinnan* ('to run'). Related to German *Rennfahrer* (racer).
The word 'runner' has been used to describe those who participate in races since the early 14th century. The meaning of 'messenger' or 'carrier' emerged later, particularly by the 16th century.