roadrunner

[ rohd-ruhn-er ]

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

/ ˈrəʊdˌrʌnə /

noun

1. a terrestrial crested bird, Geococcyx californianus , of Central and S North America, having a streaked plumage and long tail: family Cuculidae (cuckoos) Also calledchaparral cock

Word History and Origins

Origin of roadrunner¹

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

Example Sentences

“There goes a roadrunner,” said Kocourek, pointing to a flash in the brush.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, he was born with a distinctive, high-pitched voice, and his nickname, Rivi, was based on a Colombian cartoon character named Rivera, who was a roadrunner with a high voice, Newman says.

From Los Angeles Times

The second time, I saw it run out of the woods, screech to a halt, and start eating, just like that roadrunner in the cartoons.

From Literature

“It’s like watching the coyote catch the roadrunner.”

From Scientific American

Maybe the roadrunner just doesn’t have a career in competitive swimming.

From Seattle Times