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
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 lounge, which is fittingly located in the hotel’s seafront garden, takes design cues from Riva’s iconic runabouts, naturally. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 June 2025 These sustainable vessels have become an important component of the show, and examples range from electric tenders, runabouts, e-foils, surfboards and paddleboards, all the way to the 165-foot Sanlorenzo Almax, with its unique diesel-hybrid propulsion system. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025 The ground floor includes historical photography of ’60s starlets, such as Sophia Loren and Bridget Bardot, who were the first adopters of the original Riva runabouts. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2025 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Runabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runabout. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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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