runner

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person who runs, especially in a race or for exercise.

   The first runner to cross the finish line wins the race.

2. 2
   noun

   A person whose job is to carry messages, documents, or goods between places.

   They sent a runner over with the signed contract.

3. 3
   noun

   A long, narrow strip of carpet or cloth used to cover a hallway, stairs, or table.

   A red runner ran down the center of the dining table.

From Middle English rennere, rynner, urnare, equivalent to run + -er. Cognate with Old Norse rennari (“runner; messenger”). Displaced earlier Middle English runel (“runner”), from Old English rynel (“runner”; also “messenger, courier”).

Topics