What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
runabout
Example
We took the runabout out for a spin around the lake. [runabout: noun]
Example
She drove her runabout to the grocery store to pick up some milk. [runabout: adjective]
dinghy
Example
The family went out on the dinghy to explore the nearby cove. [dinghy: noun]
Example
He rowed the dinghy to shore to buy some fresh fish from the local market. [dinghy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dinghy is more commonly used than runabout in everyday language. Dinghy is a versatile term that can refer to various types of small boats, while runabout is less common and usually refers to a specific type of small motorboat.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between runabout and dinghy?
Both runabout and dinghy are informal terms that are typically used in casual or recreational contexts. However, runabout may be slightly more formal due to its association with small cars or carriages used for transportation.
