runabout
Americannoun
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a small, light automobile or other vehicle, usually with an open top; roadster.
-
a small pleasure motorboat.
-
a person who roves around from place to place or group to group.
noun
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a small car, esp one for use in a town
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a light aircraft
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a light motorboat
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a person who moves about constantly or busily
verb
Etymology
Origin of runabout
First recorded in 1540–50; noun use of verb phrase run about
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A very small one, designed as a cheap city runabout – but it could have huge significance.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2025
The San Juans are lovely, but have you tried going south instead of north with your sailboat, runabout or kayak?
From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2017
It’s probably the coolest two-wheeled runabout you can buy: it’s electric, looks unlike anything else on the market, and incorporates a host of legitimately unique features.
From The Verge • Jan. 5, 2015
Fiat 500L: The standard Fiat 500 is an odd but amusing little runabout.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2014
The runabout driver steered the truck blindly through the streets, slowed by heavy traffic, trying to find someone to help Pollard.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
