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 The expandable area doubles as a waterside beach club and a mooring spot for runabouts or Jet Skis. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile in China, little urban runabouts like the BYD Seagull are selling big (sales 280,000 in 2023 according to Inovev) and the Wuling Bingo (235,000), with prices said to start at around $5,000. Neil Winton, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Vision Marine Technologies, the Canadian outfit known for building punchy electric outboards, just unveiled a fully recyclable runabout at the Miami International Boat Show. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 That means an emphasis on pontoons, runabouts, fishing boats, ski and wake boats and larger open-water cruisers. Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2024 To top it off, the runabout has an ultra-cool digital helm with a touchscreen dashboard that mirrors the analog dials on Riva’s classic models. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2024 The runabout is powered by a Yanmar engine that can churn out 370 horses for smooth and speedy cruising. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2023 To top it off, a side-loading tender bay can store a 20-foot runabout. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2023 Its boats may look like the wooden runabouts that slide happily across Lakes Tahoe and Como, but this is a far different beast. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2023

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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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