rumrunner

See also: rum-runner and rum runner

English

Alternative forms

• rum-runner, rum runner

Etymology

From rum +‎ runner.

Noun

rumrunner (plural rumrunners)

1. An illegal smuggler of rum.
2. (by extension) A smuggler of any alcoholic drink.
   • 2021 (originally published 2017, adapted 2021), David Grann, Killers of the Flower Moon: Adapted for Younger Readers, page 126:

     Tom became increasingly skilled at dealing with what he called “rascality”: cow rustlers, horse thieves, scalawags, rumrunners, stagecoach robbers, desperadoes, and other lawbreakers.

3. A boat used for smuggling illicit alcoholic drinks.
4. A go-fast boat; a powerboat of the type associated with the smuggling of rum.