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Definitions

runner

[ruhn-er] / ˈrʌn ər /


NOUN
vine
Synonyms


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for runner?
The word runner commonly refers to someone who regularly runs for exercise, often as a hobby. The word jogger is sometimes used to mean the same thing, but some runners don’t like to be called joggers (for various reasons). In the context of the sport of track, the word runner refers to one of the contestants in a race (less commonly called a racer). There are different kinds of runners depending on the kind of race, including sprinters, long distance runners, marathoners, and cross-country runners. An athlete who participates in track events might say that they run track. In baseball, a runner is more commonly called a base runner. In football, a runner is often called a ball-carrier, a general term for whichever offensive player has the ball and is running with it (often the running back). In some contexts, the word runner refers to a person who gets and delivers things, such as messenger, a courier, or a smuggler (as in gun runner and drug runner). The word runner can also refer to a long and narrow stretch of carpet, such as for a stairway or hall, or a decorative strip of fabric that runs the length of a table (this is typically called a table runner).
What is another word for food runner?
In restaurants, a food runner (or just runner) is a member of the serving staff whose job is to assist the servers, especially by bringing food to the diners. While food runners may be called servers, such as by diners, they’re usually not the ones taking orders. Some of the responsibilities of a food runner may be the same as those of a busser.
How do you use runner in a sentence?
Runner is a common word with widely varying meanings and uses. Here are some examples of runner in a sentence:
  • I’ve always liked to run, but I had never considered myself a “runner” until I started entering 5Ks. 
  • My college had a very small track team, so I was both a sprinter and a long distance runner.
  • As an intern, you’ll be doing a lot of random jobs, but you’ll be more than just a runner getting people lunch and coffee—you’ll be working on real projects. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Is Everett, a former world and Olympic gold medalist, a better chef than he was a runner?

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2026

“Not only did he change my life as far as making me a better runner, he made us better people. He told us ‘don’t ever be nasty or mean.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2026

A runner who suffered a cardiac arrest at the 25th mile of the London Marathon has finally "finished what I started" - by walking the last mile, six months later.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026

A 24-year-old runner in the New York City Marathon collapsed and died just two miles from the finish line, despite being in "perfect health, perfect shape", her father has said.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

I recognized the braid flying out behind the third runner as he rushed by, holding his rifle against his side, bandana up over his nose.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

Sheppard and two other runners who spoke with The Times said they drank at every water station and did not fall ill.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 10, 2026

North Wales Police has launched a campaign - Operation Cadence - to address harassment of female runners, and want incidents to be reported.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

Maher had a record seven horses in this year's cup, including the second and third place runners, Zahrann and Juja Kibo.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

Marathon runners are listed as people that could be affected by the condition.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

The runners emptied the bases and the game was over.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson


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