roadrunner

[ rohd-ruhn-er ]

/ ˈroʊdˌrʌn ər /

noun

either of two large terrestrial cuckoos of the genus Geococcyx of arid regions of the western U.S., Mexico, and Central America, especially G. californianus (greater roadrunner).

Nearby words

roadie, roadkill, roadmap, roadrailer, roadroller, roadrunner, roadside, roadstead, roadster, roadway, roadwork

Origin of roadrunner

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; road + runner

Also called chaparral cock.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for road-runner

There are only a few animals, birds or insects who can kill a rattlesnake, and the road-runner does this about as neatly as any.
Little Tales of The Desert|Ethel Twycross Foster
The Road-runner inhabits the northwestern part of the state where it has been reported for many years by local residents.
Additions to the List of the Birds of Louisiana|George H. Lowery, Jr.
"It is something none of my people ever had," said the Road-Runner.
The Trail Book|Mary Austin
"Come," said the Road-Runner, understanding that there would be no more to the Telling.
The Trail Book|Mary Austin

One day I was talking to the ranchman when the road-runner appeared.
A-Birding on a Bronco|Florence A. Merriam

British Dictionary definitions for road-runner

roadrunner

/ (ˈrəʊdˌrʌnə) /

noun

a terrestrial crested bird, Geococcyx californianus, of Central and S North America, having a streaked plumage and long tail: family Cuculidae (cuckoos)Also called: chaparral cock

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

roadrunner

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of roadrunner

Examples from the Web for road-runner

British Dictionary definitions for road-runner

roadrunner

noun