noun
runt
ruhnt
noun
1
The smallest or weakest animal in a litter.
"The runt of the litter needed extra feeding to survive."
"She adopted the runt because nobody else wanted him."
2
An unimportant or looked-down-upon person, often used as an insult.
"The older kids called him a runt and pushed him around."
How to Use Runt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe smallest of a group, or, used about a person, a dismissive insult about their size or status.
Common mistake
Calling a person a "runt" is usually insulting — reserve it for animals unless you intend to be rude.
Common pairings
runt of the litter
Word Forms
runts plural
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The _____ of the litter needed extra feeding to survive.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — the OED calls it "of obscure origin," possibly linked to a Middle Dutch word for "ox."