Roadrunner: meaning, definitions and examples
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roadrunner
[ ˈroʊdˌrʌnər ]
animal species
The roadrunner is a fast-running bird of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the cuckoo family and is known for its distinctive appearance with a long tail and a crest on its head. Roadrunners are notable for their ability to run at high speeds, often reaching up to 20 miles per hour. These birds primarily inhabit desert and scrubland environments and have a unique feeding behavior, often preying on insects, reptiles, and small mammals. Their characteristic 'coo-coo' call and the ability to 'dive' into the air while running make them a fascinating subject for bird watchers.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The roadrunner dashed across the highway.
- In the cartoon, the roadrunner outsmarted Wile E. Coyote.
- I spotted a roadrunner while hiking in the desert.
- The roadrunner is known for its incredible speed.
- Roadrunners are often seen near their burrows.
Translations
Translations of the word "roadrunner" in other languages:
🇵🇹 corta-vento
🇮🇳 रोडरनर
🇩🇪 Straßenläufer
🇮🇩 penghuni jalan
🇺🇦 дорожній бігун
🇵🇱 biegacz drogowy
🇯🇵 ロードランナー
🇫🇷 coureur des routes
🇪🇸 corredor de carretera
🇹🇷 yolda koşan
🇰🇷 로드러너
🇸🇦 عداء الطريق
🇨🇿 silniční běžec
🇸🇰 cestný bežec
🇨🇳 公路跑者
🇸🇮 cestni tekač
🇮🇸 vegalaupari
🇰🇿 жол жүгіруші
🇬🇪 გზის მორბენალი
🇦🇿 yol qaçışı
🇲🇽 corredor de carretera
Etymology
The term 'roadrunner' originated in the late 19th century, derived directly from the bird's characteristic behavior of running along roads. The name reflects both its habitat and its ability to traverse long distances at impressive speeds. The species, particularly known scientifically as Geococcyx californianus, was first described by ornithologists studying avian life in the American Southwest. As the bird became a part of popular culture, especially with the introduction of the character in the Warner Bros. cartoons, the name gained further recognition and became synonymous with speed and cleverness. The term carries connotations of resilience and adaptability, as the roadrunner thrives in harsh desert environments.