NYT Dictionary

RUNT

/ɹʊnt/
NounRUHNTGrade 3

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

The smallest animal of a litter.

Etymology

Origin: Dutch

The OED classifies this word as "of obscure origin". Some see a connection to Middle Dutch runt (“ox”), but the OED considers this to be unlikely. Possibly connected to Icelandic hrotti meaning "brute".

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dwarfshrimppeeweebantambantybrowniebuttonchitcipherdiminutive

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

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