roadrunner

[rohd-ruhn-er]

noun

1. 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.

roadrunner

/ ˈrəʊdˌrʌnə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of roadrunner¹

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

Example Sentences

“There goes a roadrunner,” said Kocourek, pointing to a flash in the brush.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For instance, he was born with a distinctive, high-pitched voice, and his nickname, Rivi, was based on a Colombian cartoon character named Rivera, who was a roadrunner with a high voice, Newman says.

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The second time, I saw it run out of the woods, screech to a halt, and start eating, just like that roadrunner in the cartoons.

Read more on Literature

“It’s like watching the coyote catch the roadrunner.”

Read more on Scientific American

Maybe the roadrunner just doesn’t have a career in competitive swimming.

Read more on Seattle Times