noun
runabout
noun
1
A small, light vehicle meant for short trips — historically a small car or horse-drawn carriage.
"He kept an old runabout for quick trips into town."
"The runabout could barely fit two people and a picnic basket."
2
A small, easily maneuvered boat or, in fiction, a small spacecraft.
"They took the runabout out onto the lake for the afternoon."
How to Use Runabout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small vehicle or boat built for short, easy trips rather than long journeys.
Word Forms
runabouts plural
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He kept an old _____ for quick trips into town.
Etymology
Formed from the verb phrase "run about" — something used for getting around locally.