Definition

Noun: 1. A small stream or brook: A narrow, shallow channel of running water, often natural. 2. A small channel or gutter for water: A man-made or natural groove that guides the flow of water.

Examples of Usage

• After the heavy rain, a runnel formed along the edge of the path, carrying water down the hillside.
• The gardener dug a shallow runnel to direct irrigation water to the new plants.
• They followed the tiny runnel through the woods, hoping it would lead to a larger stream.

Advanced Usage

• Poetic/Literary Use: The word is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke imagery of small, gentle watercourses, as opposed to technical terms like "channel" or "drain."
  • The only sound was the quiet trickle of a runnel over the mossy stones.

Variants and Related Words

• Rill: A very small brook or stream; often used interchangeably with but can imply an even smaller flow.
• Rivulet: A very small stream; similar to but may sound slightly more formal or poetic.
• Brook: A small stream. This is a more common synonym.
• Streamlet: Another term for a small stream.

Synonyms

• Brook
• Streamlet
• Rivulet
• Rill
• Creek (in some contexts, though "creek" can be larger)

Related Phrases

• To run in runnels: Describing liquid flowing in small, distinct streams.
  • The melting ice caused water to run in runnels down the windowpane.

Noun

1. a small stream