runnel

[ ruhn-l ]

noun

1. a small stream; brook; rivulet.
2. a small channel, as for water.

runnel

/ ˈrʌnəl /

noun

1. literary.
   a small stream

Word History and Origins

Origin of runnel¹

First recorded in 1570–80; run (in the sense “small stream”) + -el diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of runnel¹

C16: from Old English rynele ; related to run

Example Sentences

Clear water trickled through a wooden runnel into a great stone trough outside near the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus it is possible that a runnel of the blood of "le grand monarque" tripped through Burton's veins.

From Project Gutenberg

It took me the whole day to reach the patch,—which I found indeed a forest—but not a rudiment of brook or runnel had I crossed!

From Project Gutenberg

Peebles had disappeared; Dake lay in his rags on the ground; Runnel rocked slowly, like a pendulum, in his ceaseless pain.

From Project Gutenberg

And I stood on the curb watching the iridescent ooze of the sewage in a runnel of the street seep along like a sick snake.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• current
• flood
• flow
• rush
• spate
• surge
• tide
• torrent
• tributary