English · Word Candidate

runaway

/ˈɹʌnəweɪ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: runaways

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.

Noun

Examples

Runaways are vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A vehicle (especially, a train) that is out of control.

Noun

Examples

On New Year's Day, 1850, a catastrophe, which it is fearful to contemplate, was averted by the aid of the telegraph. A collision had occurred to an empty train at Gravesend; and the driver having leaped from his engine, the latter started alone at full speed to London. Notice was immediately given b

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Having run away; escaped; fugitive; fleeting.

Adjective

Examples

a runaway thief

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Having run away; escaped; fugitive; fleeting. — Having escaped from the control of the rider or driver.

Adjective

Examples

a runaway donkey

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “runaway” mean?

A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.

Is “runaway” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.