runner

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person who is employed to deliver messages or documents

   They sent a runner over with the contract.

2. 2
   noun

   Agent noun of run; one who runs.

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

3. 3
   noun

   A quick escape away from a scene; (by extension) the person who gets away.

   He did a runner after robbing the drugstore.

4. 4
   noun

   A type of soft-soled shoe originally intended for runners.

   Tess stands by Mr Foley in runners that are bright yellow and exuberant and off-putting.

5. 5
   noun

   A part of an apparatus that moves quickly.

   After the cycle completes, the runner travels back quickly to be in place for the next cycle.

6. 6
   noun

   An automobile; a working or driveable automobile.

   The car salesman told me that the used Volvo was a nice little runner.

7. 7
   noun

   A strip of fabric used to decorate or protect a table or dressing table.

   The red runner makes the table so festive.

8. 8
   noun

   A long, narrow carpet for a high-traffic area such as a hall or stairs.

   Why don't we put down a clear runner in the front hall?

Etymology

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”).