runner
9 synonyms for runner, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who runs, especially as a sport or form of exercise.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use runner
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a marathon runner
a table runner
send a runner
front runner
Etymology
From Middle English rennere, formed from run + -er; cognate with Old Norse rennari ("runner, messenger").
Full origin of runner →Frequently asked questions
What does “runner” mean?
The word “runner” means a person who runs, especially as a sport or form of exercise. In plain terms, someone or something that runs, in senses ranging from athletes to messengers to plant shoots to decorative table cloths.
How do you pronounce “runner”?
“Runner” is pronounced RUH-nuh (/ˈɹʌnɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “runner” in a sentence?
Here is “runner” used in a sentence: “She trains as a competitive runner every morning before work.”
What part of speech is “runner”?
“Runner” is a noun.
Where does the word “runner” come from?
The word “runner” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rennere, formed from run + -er; cognate with Old Norse rennari ("runner, messenger").
Is “runner” a common word?
“Runner” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “runner” have?
“Runner” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who runs, especially as a sport or form of exercise.
What is the difference between a "runner" and a "jogger"?
A "runner" is a person who runs, often at a faster pace or as a sport or serious exercise. A "jogger" runs at a slow, steady pace mainly for fitness, so all joggers run, but "runner" suggests more speed or committed training.
What is the difference between a "runner" and a "sprinter"?
A "runner" is a general term for anyone who runs, over any distance. A "sprinter" specialises in short, very fast races, so every sprinter is a runner, but many runners race over longer distances instead.
