Definitions

runner

[ruhn-er] / ˈrʌn ər /

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one who runs n.
vine n.
one who runs n.

NOUN

one who runs

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contestant entrant hurdler marathoner racer sprinter

STRONG

carrier courier jogger messenger

WEAK

cross-country runner distance runner long distance runner middle distance runner trackman

Antonyms

STRONG

receiver

NOUN

vine

Synonyms

STRONG

branch offshoot tendril

NOUN

one who runs

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hurdler marathoner racer sprinter

STRONG

courier harrier jogger messenger page

Antonyms

STRONG

receiver

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:

runner runners

The previous highest finish by a female British marathon runner at a European Championships came from Kath Binns who placed ninth in 1982.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

With one out and a runner on first, Sasaki hung a slider right over the middle to Andrew Vaughn.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

As a competitive runner, Julian Flieller relied on human coaches to time his splits and manage his training regime.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

Take, for example, a runner whose preparation for a race has gone perfectly and who is confident and raring to go.

From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026

“When we’re a few miles out, Rotty and I will row to harbor in the longboat. We’ll find a runner to get word to Van Eck and make the exchange on Vellgeluk.”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

“I was feeling pretty good out there. So even after letting runners on the bases, I just tried to focus and then take it one hitter at a time.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

He gestured at one point, a waved arm that suggested he wasn't over-burdened with runners ahead of him.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

But a number of frustrated runners voiced concerns online after the race, noting that the distance on their GPS running watches was over 26.22 miles.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

With runners on the corners and one out, he gave up the only run of his start, on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

The new sled was a classic: polished wood, red runners, steering handles.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli

runner

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

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