sprint

[sprint]

verb (used without object)

1. to race or move at full speed, especially for a short distance, as in running, rowing, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to traverse at full speed.

   to sprint a half mile.

noun

1. a short race at full speed.

2. a burst of speed at any point during a long race, as near the finish line.

3. a brief spell of great activity.

4. a short work cycle of fixed length during which specific goals, tasks, etc., need to be completed by a team: often used in agile development.

sprint

/ sprɪnt /

noun

1. athletics a short race run at top speed, such as the 100 metres

2. a fast finishing speed at the end of a longer race, as in running or cycling, etc

3. any quick run

verb

1. to go at top speed, as in running, cycling, etc

Other Word Forms

• sprinter noun
• outsprint verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprint¹

First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps continuing Old English sprintan (unrecorded; compare gesprintan “to emit”); cognate with Old Norse spretta, Old High German sprinzan “to jump up”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprint¹

C16: from Scandinavian; related to Old English gesprintan to emit, Old Norse spretta to jump up, Old High German sprinzan to jump up, Swedish sprata to kick

Example Sentences

Hudler sprinted off the field, ignoring teammates wanting to high-five him in the dugout for saving two runs, and into the visiting clubhouse, where he stashed the ball in his locker for safekeeping.

From Los Angeles Times

"We won't have a stage winner. We will give the points for the mountain classification and the intermediate sprint, but not on the finish line."

From BBC

But even on that play, Roberts argued postgame, Hernández got a good jump and covered a lot of ground — breaking into the kind of hard-charging sprint that hadn’t always been there earlier this season.

From Los Angeles Times

His sprint win from pole position in China has been the only major high point since his blockbuster move from rivals Mercedes.

From BBC

His third throw sailed over the head of a receiver who was sprinting downfield for what would have been a sure touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dart 
• dash 
• rush 
• scamper 
• scoot 
• scurry