runt

noun

ˈrənt How to pronounce runt (audio)
Synonyms of runtnext
1
chiefly Scotland : a hardened stalk or stem of a plant
2
: an animal unusually small of its kind
especially : the smallest of a litter of pigs
3
usually disparaging : a person of small stature
runtiness
ˈrən-tē-nəs How to pronounce runt (audio)
noun
runtish
ˈrən-tish How to pronounce runt (audio)
adjective
runty
ˈrən-tē How to pronounce runt (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

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Examples of runt in a Sentence

the runt of the litter one kitten was definitely the runt, weighing only six ounces at birth

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of runt was in 1602

Browse Nearby Words

runt
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Cite this Entry

“Runt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runt. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

runt

noun
ˈrənt How to pronounce runt (audio)
: an unusually small person or animal
runty
-ē How to pronounce runt (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on runt

Nglish: Translation of runt for Spanish Speakers

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