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. scrum ( def 2 ).

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

Derived Forms

• ˈsprinter, noun

Other Words From

• sprint·er noun
• out·sprint 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

Because for now, Johnson, a 16-time world and Olympic sprint champion and nine-time world record-holder, is focusing on the half of the sport he knows best.

From Los Angeles Times

They corrected a lot of their defensive issues, sprinting back in transition and cleaning up Memphis misses off the glass.

From Los Angeles Times

It really was a very, very intense sprint to the finish, and not something that I’ve had to do before.

From Los Angeles Times

Donald Pols from the group said "it's a marathon, not a sprint and the race isn't yet over".

From BBC

Robinson was excited about running his own team and returning to the pageantry of college football, which in USC’s case featured Traveler, the Trojans’ equine mascot who sprinted along the sideline.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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