Runner: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for someone who runs, suitable for both casual and professional runners. Can refer to anyone participating in running for exercise, sport, or competition.

• She is a regular runner, hitting the trails every morning
• The marathon attracted runners from all over the world

Specifically refers to someone who participates in competitive running events. Implies a sense of competition and speed.

• The racers lined up at the starting line, ready to compete
• As a professional racer, she trains rigorously every day

Refers to a runner who specializes in short-distance, high-speed races. Often used in the context of track and field events.

• He is a talented sprinter who excels in the 100 meters
• The sprinters took their marks, waiting for the signal

Describes someone who runs at a more relaxed, moderate pace, typically for exercise and not competitive purposes.

• Tom is a jogger who runs in the park after work
• You often see joggers with their dogs early in the morning

A runner is a long, narrow piece of carpet, cloth, or other material, usually used in hallways or on stairs for decoration or protection.

• We put a runner in the hallway to protect the wooden floor.
• The red runner on the stairs added a touch of elegance to the house.

A rug is a thick, small piece of carpet, often used as decoration or for comfort in areas not covered by wall-to-wall carpet.

• We bought a colorful rug to add some personality to the living room.
• The Persian rug in their dining area is an heirloom.

Carpet refers to a large fabric covering for the floor, often extending wall-to-wall in a room, used for comfort, warmth, and decoration.

• We installed a new carpet in the living room for a cozy feel.
• The office has blue carpet throughout all the rooms.

A mat is a small piece of material placed on the floor in specific areas, such as doorways or bathrooms, for functionality like wiping feet or preventing slips.

• Please wipe your shoes on the doormat before coming inside.
• She put a mat outside the bathroom to avoid slipping on wet floors.

Commonly used in sports to describe someone who runs in races or for exercise. Can also be used informally in workplaces to refer to someone who runs errands.

• She is a dedicated runner who participates in marathons every year.
• The office runner will deliver these documents to the other department.

Usually used in a more formal context, often historical or literary, to describe someone who conveys messages or information, rather than physical items.

• In ancient times, a royal messenger would deliver important decrees across the kingdom.
• Please send a messenger to inform them of the meeting changes.

Typically used in professional settings to refer to someone who delivers documents or parcels, often as part of a same-day delivery service.

• We need to hire a reliable courier to get this package to the client by noon.
• The courier service ensures your documents are delivered securely and promptly.

Used to describe someone whose main job is to deliver goods, parcels, or food to people's homes or businesses. It is a more general term than courier.

• The delivery person dropped off the groceries at our front door.
• As a delivery person, she travels all over the city to bring food to customers.