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
As a pure runner, though, Giddens is impressive, showing off great speed and vision.
—
Steve Bradshaw, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Grab it as a runner for hallways or the kitchen, or in area rug sizes for living spaces.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Ohtani had one more chance in the ninth with runners on first and second with one out, but drew another walk to load the bases before Tommy Edman grounded into a double play.
—David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
In the second inning, Max Muncy crushed a hanging breaking ball for a double, to set up the Dodgers with runners on second and third base with one out.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for runner
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Steve Bradshaw, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Grab it as a runner for hallways or the kitchen, or in area rug sizes for living spaces.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Ohtani had one more chance in the ninth with runners on first and second with one out, but drew another walk to load the bases before Tommy Edman grounded into a double play.
—David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
In the second inning, Max Muncy crushed a hanging breaking ball for a double, to set up the Dodgers with runners on second and third base with one out.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 19 Mar. 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 27 Mar. 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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