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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:

Among them is British marathon runner Charlotte Purdue.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

I was a runner from an early age, and by high school, my identity was almost entirely as a track athlete.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

Luis Lara singled him home, scoring a runner in scoring position.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026

Whether you’re a runner, walker or maybe someone whose job requires you to be on your feet all day, the best shoe is the shoe that fits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026

His older brothers were rough and ran wild, and he had a sister known as a strong, swift runner.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

Wayne Davies said he was left "constantly worrying" about race times, training plans and fitness data and comparing himself to other runners on social media.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

Known as Run X, it pitches everyday runners against elite athletes.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

There are currently 20 countries taking part and the list of elite runners registered has not yet been disclosed.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

Watching games with base runners, tough at-bats and actual strategy by managers is much more enjoyable than strikeouts and home runs with no one on base.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026

It's like everyone's got a best friend or brother in the pool of runners.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi


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