noun A2 Elementary Common

runner

RUH-nuh

Runner (noun) means a person who runs, especially as a sport or form of exercise. Example: “She trains as a competitive runner every morning before work.”

noun

A person who runs, especially as a sport or form of exercise.

"She trains as a competitive runner every morning before work."

"The runner crossed the finish line just ahead of the pack."

Someone who carries messages, errands, or goods, often informally or illegally (e.g. a drug runner).

"The restaurant hired a runner to bring dishes from the kitchen to the tables."

A long, narrow strip of fabric or carpet used to decorate a table or cover a hallway floor.

"They laid a red runner down the length of the staircase."

A long horizontal shoot sent out by certain plants (like strawberries) that roots to form new plants.

"The strawberry plant spread across the bed using runners."

How to use runner

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone or something that runs, in senses ranging from athletes to messengers to plant shoots to decorative table cloths.

Common pairings

a marathon runner a table runner send a runner front runner

Word forms

runners plural, Runners plural

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She trains as a competitive _____ every morning before work.

Etymology

From Middle English rennere, formed from run + -er; cognate with Old Norse rennari ("runner, messenger").

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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jogger sprinter racer courier messenger smuggler

Related words

message guide messenger herald courier nigger racer jogging

Rhymes for runner

Gunner stunner Brunner

See all rhymes for 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.

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message guide messenger herald courier nigger racer jogging