Rumrunner: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe someone who transports alcohol illegally, particularly during the Prohibition era in the United States.

• The rumrunners used speedboats to evade the Coast Guard while transporting liquor.
• He was known as the most famous rumrunner on the East Coast during the 1920s.

Used to describe someone who makes, distributes, or sells alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition. This term can also be used more broadly to describe someone who sells any illegal goods.

• The bootlegger set up a secret still in the woods to produce illicit whiskey.
• During Prohibition, many bootleggers made a fortune selling homemade liquor.

A general term for someone who illegally transports goods or people. This term is not limited to alcohol and has a broader negative connotation.

• The smuggler used hidden compartments in his car to move contraband across the border.
• Authorities arrested the smuggler after discovering a large shipment of illicit drugs.

Describes someone who illegally distills alcohol, typically in a rural area. The term often evokes images of homemade stills and rustic, secretive operations.

• The moonshiner worked late into the night, distilling batches of whiskey in his hidden cabin.
• Moonshiners often operated in remote areas to avoid detection by the authorities.

This term is typically used to describe individuals or smaller boats involved in the illegal transportation of alcohol during the Prohibition era in the United States. It often has a historical or adventurous connotation.

• The daring rumrunner sped across the bay, evading the coast guard under the cover of darkness.

This phrase is used to refer to larger, organized ships specifically outfitted for the smuggling of alcohol during the Prohibition era. It brings to mind a more structured and possibly more dangerous operation.

• The authorities finally intercepted the notorious bootlegger ship that had been supplying the entire East Coast.

This term is broader and can refer to any type of boat or ship used to transport contraband goods, not limited to alcohol or any specific time period. It often carries a negative connotation related to illegal activities.

• The coast guard discovered a smuggling vessel attempting to sneak illegal weapons into the country.

This word is also the name of a specific cocktail that typically includes rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. It might be used in casual or social settings, especially around bars or restaurants.

• I had a delicious rumrunner at the beach bar last night
• Could you make me a rumrunner, please?

A 'rum cocktail' is a general term for any mixed drink that includes rum as one of its ingredients. This phrase is used when referring to a variety of rum-based mixed drinks, especially in a bar or dining context.

• Can you recommend a good rum cocktail for me? The bartender mixed an amazing rum cocktail that I just had to try

A 'rum-based drink' is a broader term that includes any beverage where rum is the primary ingredient. It can be used when talking about both simple and sophisticated drinks, alcohol-based or not.

• The menu features several rum-based drinks that look intriguing
• For a tropical vibe, try any of our rum-based drinks