noun

roadrunner

ROHD-run-er

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Roadrunner (noun) means a fast-running, ground-dwelling bird of the cuckoo family, native to North and Central America. Example: “A roadrunner darted across the desert trail ahead of us.”

noun

A fast-running, ground-dwelling bird of the cuckoo family, native to North and Central America.

"A roadrunner darted across the desert trail ahead of us."

"Roadrunners are known for sprinting rather than flying to escape predators."

"We spotted a roadrunner chasing a lizard near the cactus."

How to use roadrunner

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA roadrunner is a quick-footed desert bird best known for running rather than flying.

When to use it

This is an everyday, informal name for the bird, not a formal scientific term.

Memory tip

The name is a clue to the bird's behaviour: it runs along roads and open ground instead of flying.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a roadrunner sprints spot a roadrunner the greater roadrunner

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “roadrunner” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ darted across the desert trail ahead of us.

Etymology

Roadrunner is built from road and runner, and is thought to translate the Spanish name correcaminos, itself formed from correr, meaning to run, and caminos, meaning roads.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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chaparral bird paisano

Rhymes for roadrunner

runner Gunner stunner Brunner

See all rhymes for roadrunner →

Frequently asked questions

What kind of bird is a roadrunner?

It is a ground-dwelling member of the cuckoo family found across North and Central America.

Can roadrunners fly?

They can fly short distances but are far better known for running quickly on the ground.

Why is it called a roadrunner?

The name describes its habit of running fast along open ground, and likely echoes the Spanish name correcaminos.

What is the meaning of roadrunner?

"roadrunner" (noun) means a fast-running, ground-dwelling bird of the cuckoo family, native to North and Central America.