runt
2 synonyms for runt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The smallest or weakest animal in a litter.
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 runt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
runt of the litter
Etymology
Origin uncertain — the OED calls it "of obscure origin," possibly linked to a Middle Dutch word for "ox."
Full origin of runt →Frequently asked questions
What does “runt” mean?
The word “runt” means the smallest or weakest animal in a litter. In plain terms, the smallest of a group, or, used about a person, a dismissive insult about their size or status.
How do you pronounce “runt”?
“Runt” is pronounced ruhnt (/ɹʌnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “runt” in a sentence?
Here is “runt” used in a sentence: “The runt of the litter needed extra feeding to survive.”
What part of speech is “runt”?
“Runt” is a noun.
Where does the word “runt” come from?
The word “runt” comes from Dutch. Origin uncertain — the OED calls it "of obscure origin," possibly linked to a Middle Dutch word for "ox.".
How many meanings does “runt” have?
“Runt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the smallest or weakest animal in a litter.
