runabout

noun

run·​about ˈrə-nə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce runabout (audio)
Synonyms of runaboutnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 44th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show returned to the West Palm Beach waterfront this week, featuring nearly 1,000 vessels ranging from small runabouts to 250-foot superyachts. Carline Jean, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026 What started as post-war utility machines quickly transformed into farm runabouts and then eventually into cult favorites like Honda’s Trail series in more recent times. New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025 On the water, a 35-foot mahogany Van Dam runabout marries vintage wooden-boat craftsmanship with 1,100 hp of modern grunt. John Vorwald, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025 Not so in China, where manufacturers have developed a range of cheap and cheerful little EV runabouts which can be bought for as little as $7,000 before tax. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for runabout

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of runabout was in 1549

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runabout. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

runabout

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

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