runty

[ ruhn-tee ]

adjective

, runt·i·er, runt·i·est.

1. stunted; dwarfish:

   The runty puppy seems the most playful of the litter.

Other Words From

• runti·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of runty¹

First recorded in 1800–10; runt + -y ¹

Example Sentences

In it, a group of children go ice skating on a pond in the woods, all taking to the ice with great enthusiasm, except for one runty kid who sucks at ice skating.

From Eater

In the language of the country they meant runty, mean-figured, undersized.

From Project Gutenberg

Runty took the chair, and in a few earnest and well-chosen words, he dispatched the Ossified Man for a pitcher of beer.

From Project Gutenberg

Three such smilin' faces as yours turned right up at him would produce a shadder, Runty.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, Runty, you fellows hurry up to your headquarters, so's to be there when the reporters come.

From Project Gutenberg

And that little runty boy with the bright face, the cause of your recent disaster, who was he?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cramped
• limited
• meager
• microscopic
• miniature
• minuscule
• modest
• narrow
• paltry
• poor
• short
• slight
• small-scale
• young