1
2
a
b
: one that smuggles or distributes illicit or contraband goods (such as drugs, liquor, or guns)
3
: any of several large vigorous carangid fishes
4
a
: either of the longitudinal pieces on which a sled or sleigh slides
b
: the part of a skate that slides on the ice : blade
c
: the support of a drawer or a sliding door
5
a
: an elongated horizontal stem arising from the base of a plant
especially
: stolon sense 1a
b
: a plant (such as a strawberry) that forms or spreads by means of runners
c
: a twining vine (such as a scarlet runner bean)
6
a
: a long narrow carpet for a hall or staircase
b
: a narrow decorative cloth cover for a table or dresser top
7
: an adjustable backstay running from mast to rail on a sail boat or ship
8
: a running shot in basketball
Examples of runner in a Sentence
The runner slid into third base.
sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast
Recent Examples on the Web
Martha Stewart Americana Star Gingham Plaid Table Runner Fourth of July is still a ways off, but here’s a chance to grab a 72-inch-long table runner that’s virtually guaranteed to get compliments from guests at your cookout.
—
Clint Davis, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Small is a polished route runner with sure hands and has held his own during 1-on-1s against older players.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
There was also the fact that Braves hitters felt overdue to break out after a weeklong slump and get some hits with runners in scoring position.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
The Royals were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, a key area from Friday’s win.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for runner
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Clint Davis, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Small is a polished route runner with sure hands and has held his own during 1-on-1s against older players.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
There was also the fact that Braves hitters felt overdue to break out after a weeklong slump and get some hits with runners in scoring position.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
The Royals were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, a key area from Friday’s win.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for runner
Cite this Entry
“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
runner
noun
run·ner
ˈrən-ər 
1
a
: one that runs
b
2
3
: a thin piece or part on which something slides
4
a
: a slender creeping stem that arises from the base of a plant
especially
: stolon
b
: a plant (as a strawberry) that forms or spreads by runners
5
a
: a long narrow carpet (as for a hall)
b
: a narrow decorative cloth cover for a table or dresser top
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