DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

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noun

runner

Someone who runs, especially in a race.

The runner keeps a steady pace throughout the long race.

Etymology

The agent ending turns the action into a person-name. A runner is someone performing the activity, especially as a participant in a race.

More examples

  • Several runners warm up near the starting line.
  • She is a regular runner who enjoys quiet morning trails.
  • Volunteers hand cups of water to each runner.

Forms

runner · runners

run verb — To move quickly on foot with rapid strides.

Similar words

jogger
Usually runs at an easy pace for exercise.
sprinter
Runs short distances at very high speed.
racer
Competes in races, but not necessarily on foot.