runabout

noun

run·​about ˈrə-nə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce runabout (audio)
1
: one who wanders about : stray
2
: a light usually open wagon, car, or motorboat

Examples of runabout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Another standout is the side-loading tender bay, which can accommodate a 19-foot runabout. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2024 Falcon offers tenders with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, so perhaps buyers could opt for a sustainable shuttle that burns less fuel than traditional gas-guzzling runabouts. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2024 After this misfire, in Europe at least, the industry needs to concentrate on what electric technology does best; make cheap urban runabouts that could, like the mobile phone, be successful because the product is affordable and irresistible. Neil Winton, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024 The boat has the familiar design language of an old Riva runabout—gently cambered bow deck, tumblehome in the after section—though built with modern materials and colors, and adorned nearly everywhere with the Maserati emblem. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for runabout 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'runabout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of runabout was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near runabout

Cite this Entry

“Runabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runabout. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

runabout

noun
run·​about ˈrən-ə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce runabout (audio)
: a small motorboat used especially for pleasure

More from Merriam-Webster on runabout

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