runaway
RUH-nuh-way
Runaway (noun) means someone (or something) that has fled or escaped, especially a person who has left home. Example: “The shelter offered a safe place for teenage runaways.”
noun
1
Someone (or something) that has fled or escaped, especially a person who has left home.
"The shelter offered a safe place for teenage runaways."
"The runaway horse galloped through the market stalls."
adj
1
Out of control, or achieved with an overwhelming, easy lead.
"The company saw runaway success after the product launch."
"It was a runaway victory, with the challenger never in contention."
How to use runaway
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who has fled, or (as an adjective) something moving with unstoppable, unchecked momentum.
Common pairings
a runaway train
runaway success
runaway inflation
a teenage runaway
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Word forms
- Plural
- runaways
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The shelter offered a safe place for teenage _____.
Etymology
Formed from the verb phrase "run away".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for runaway
See all rhymes for runaway →Frequently asked questions
What does “runaway” mean?
The word “runaway” means someone (or something) that has fled or escaped, especially a person who has left home. In plain terms, someone who has fled, or (as an adjective) something moving with unstoppable, unchecked momentum.
How do you pronounce “runaway”?
“Runaway” is pronounced RUH-nuh-way (/ˈɹʌnəweɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “runaway” in a sentence?
Here is “runaway” used in a sentence: “The shelter offered a safe place for teenage runaways.”
What part of speech is “runaway”?
Depending on how it is used, “runaway” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “runaway” a common word?
“Runaway” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “runaway” have?
“Runaway” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone (or something) that has fled or escaped, especially a person who has left home.
What is the difference between a runaway and a fugitive?
A runaway is typically someone, often a young person, who has fled or escaped, especially from home, while a fugitive more strongly implies someone evading law enforcement or authorities after committing a crime. Runaway carries a broader, less legally loaded connotation and can also apply to things, such as a runaway vehicle.
What is a 'runaway victory' or 'runaway success'?
A runaway victory or runaway success refers to a win or achievement gained with an overwhelming, easy lead, far ahead of any competition. This usage reflects the adjective sense of runaway describing something achieved with dominant, effortless superiority.
