runabout

noun

run·​about ˈrə-nə-ˌbau̇t 

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

There are few electric cars available for under £20,000 ($25,000), and most are only short-range city runabouts. —James Morris, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Photo : Monterey Boats Monterey Elite 30 Monterey Boats has been known for its cruisers and runabouts for more than 30 years. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025

Hip consumers looking for a spunky electric runabout should be satisfied with 308 horses and 214 miles of range. —Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024

Bavarian Motor Works introduced the MINI Cooper SE in 2020, and the compact runabout has provided an attractive, fully electric option to motorists who value style and agility but don’t require a lot of driving range. —Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for runabout

• roundabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout

Kids Definition

runabout

noun

run·​about ˈrən-ə-ˌbau̇t 

: a small motorboat used especially for pleasure