runabout noun5 •Any of several small vehicles, especially a small motor car for use on short journeys.The door being open, Stranleigh walked in unannounced. A two-seated runabout[…]stood by the window, where it could be viewed by passers-by. Further down the room rested a chassis, […] — 1913 •A small, relatively maneuverable spacecraft or shuttlecraft. •(old-fashioned) A motor car having a single row of seats. •(historical) A light, open, American horse-drawn vehicle with four large wheels. •(no longer used) A gadabout or vagabond. formsrunabouts