runabout

American  

[ruhn-uh-bout] / ˈrʌn əˌbaʊt /

noun

1. a small, light automobile or other vehicle, usually with an open top; roadster.

2. a small pleasure motorboat.

3. a person who roves around from place to place or group to group.

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runabout British  

/ ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt /

noun

1. a small car, esp one for use in a town

2. a light aircraft

3. a light motorboat

4. a person who moves about constantly or busily

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verb

1. (intr, adverb) to move busily from place to place

Etymology

Origin of runabout

First recorded in 1540–50; noun use of verb phrase run about

Example Sentences

A very small one, designed as a cheap city runabout – but it could have huge significance.

From BBC

The carmaker is attempting to move away from its past as a mass-manufacturer of cheap "runabouts", and position itself as more upmarket brand, focused on electric cars.

From BBC

An urban runabout that won’t break any speed records, but nor will it break the bank.

From BBC

Some participants drove runabouts that slice through the water, while others used hydroplanes, which glide over it.

From Seattle Times

There are more EV options than ever before, and your selection isn’t just limited to compact urban runabouts.

From Seattle Times