The Open Dictionary

runt

noun

UK/rʌnt/
US/rʌnt/

Definitions of runt noun

  1. Countable

    The smallest and weakest offspring in a litter of animals.

    • The runt of the litter of piglets was noticeably underdeveloped.

    • The puppy was the runt of its litter, but it was very resilient.

    • The farmer tried to help the frail lamb survive, which was the runt of its litter.

  2. Countableinformal

    A small or weak person, often viewed with dislike or contempt.

    • He was always treated like a runt because of his small stature.

    • She disliked people who picked on the weak, calling them a nasty runt.

    • He was always considered a runt and was seen as useless.