roadrunner

American  

[rohd-ruhn-er] / ˈroʊdˌrʌn ər /

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 British  

/ 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)

---

Etymology

Origin of roadrunner

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

Compare meaning

How does roadrunner compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• roadrunner vs. rattlesnake