DictionaryRoot: rinnan
Old English

rinnan

run or flow

Forms

  • rinnan
  • ran- — A changed form used for past action.
  • runn- — Another changed form that influenced later English.

Origin

An inherited Germanic verb with older Indo-European ancestry.

Note

Modern run combines forms from more than one closely related Old English verb.

2 / 3
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.