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noun

runabout

Runabout (noun) means a small, light vehicle meant for short trips — historically a small car or horse-drawn carriage. Example: “He kept an old runabout for quick trips into town.”

noun
1
A small, light vehicle meant for short trips — historically a small car or horse-drawn carriage.
"He kept an old runabout for quick trips into town."
"The runabout could barely fit two people and a picnic basket."
2
A small, easily maneuvered boat or, in fiction, a small spacecraft.
"They took the runabout out onto the lake for the afternoon."

How to use runabout

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small vehicle or boat built for short, easy trips rather than long journeys.

Word forms

runabouts plural

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He kept an old _____ for quick trips into town.

Etymology

Formed from the verb phrase "run about" — something used for getting around locally.

roadster two-seater

Related words

Rhymes for runabout

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Frequently asked questions

What does “runabout” mean?

The word “runabout” means a small, light vehicle meant for short trips — historically a small car or horse-drawn carriage. In plain terms, a small vehicle or boat built for short, easy trips rather than long journeys.

How do you use “runabout” in a sentence?

Here is “runabout” used in a sentence: “He kept an old runabout for quick trips into town.”

What part of speech is “runabout”?

“Runabout” is a noun.

How many meanings does “runabout” have?

“Runabout” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, light vehicle meant for short trips — historically a small car or horse-drawn carriage.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial