run·dle I. \ˈrəndəl\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English rundel — more at roundel 1.obsolete: circle, sphere 2. a.: a step of a ladder : rung b.: one of the pins of a lantern pinion 3.: the drum of a windlass or capstan II. \ˈru̇nəl, ˈrənəl\ dialect variant of runnel