roadrunner

American  

[rohd-ruhn-er] / ˈroʊdˌrʌn ər /

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.

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roadrunner British  

/ ˈrəʊdˌrʌnə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of roadrunner

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

Compare meaning

How does roadrunner compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• roadrunner vs. rattlesnake

Example Sentences

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 • Jan. 26, 2024

Then Jones fled the stage, leaving in his wake a few exhalations that lingered like dust clouds from a cartoon roadrunner: “I am so sorry — I cannot do this. Thank you so much.”

From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2022

Despite dementia, Eugenia Peralta, 89, cannot help but twirl around the room, prompting her peers to call her "roadrunner," according to her daughter Jackie Peralta.

From Reuters • Mar. 10, 2022

The greater roadrunner, a species native to Southwestern states, hitched a ride in the storage area of a moving van from Las Vegas to Westbrook, Maine.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2021

Offhand, I couldn’t think of one, except the plywood roadrunner.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli