Runner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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runner
[ˈrʌnər ]
Definitions
sports
A person who runs, especially in a competitive race.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| runner |
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.
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| racer |
Specifically refers to someone who participates in competitive running events. Implies a sense of competition and speed.
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| sprinter |
Refers to a runner who specializes in short-distance, high-speed races. Often used in the context of track and field events.
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| jogger |
Describes someone who runs at a more relaxed, moderate pace, typically for exercise and not competitive purposes.
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Examples of usage
- She is a talented runner who has won many races.
- The fastest runner in the marathon crossed the finish line first.
device
A long, narrow rug or carpet.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| runner |
A runner is a long, narrow piece of carpet, cloth, or other material, usually used in hallways or on stairs for decoration or protection.
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| rug |
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.
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| carpet |
Carpet refers to a large fabric covering for the floor, often extending wall-to-wall in a room, used for comfort, warmth, and decoration.
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| mat |
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.
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Examples of usage
- She placed a runner along the hallway to protect the floor.
- The red runner added a pop of color to the room.
occupation
A messenger, usually in a corporate setting.
Synonyms
courier, delivery person, messenger.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| runner |
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.
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| messenger |
Usually used in a more formal context, often historical or literary, to describe someone who conveys messages or information, rather than physical items.
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| courier |
Typically used in professional settings to refer to someone who delivers documents or parcels, often as part of a same-day delivery service.
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| delivery person |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The runner quickly delivered the important documents to the CEO.
- The office runner is responsible for distributing mail and packages.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In track and field, sprinting events typically range from 60 meters to 400 meters in length.
- Marathons, which are 26.2 miles, have increased in popularity since the late 20th century, with cities hosting such events worldwide.
Health
- Running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that helps improve heart health and builds endurance.
- Studies show that regular running can enhance mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Chariots of Fire', which depicts athletes, highlight the emotional and physical journey of runners.
- Many video games, like 'Rocket League', have running mechanics that mimic racing dynamics and speed.
Literature
- Running as a theme appears in classic literature, symbolizing freedom, escape, or the pursuit of dreams.
- Books like 'Born to Run' explore the joy and philosophy behind running as a lifestyle choice.
Origin of 'runner'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'runner' comes from the Old English word 'ryn', meaning to move swiftly.
- In Middle English, the term 'renner' was used to describe someone who runs, linking to variations in dialect across regions.
The word 'runner' has its roots in Old English 'rinnan', which meant 'to flow' or 'to run'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a person who runs, whether in a race or as a means of transportation. The use of 'runner' to describe a long, narrow rug or carpet emerged in the 16th century, possibly due to the resemblance of the item to a track for running. In a corporate context, a 'runner' is someone who swiftly moves messages or documents from one place to another, reflecting the idea of quick movement and delivery.
See also: outrun, overrun, run, runaway, runnable, runners, running, runoff, runs, runtime, runway.