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

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

It was an emotional moment, the last word of her last-minute sprint for president much like the rest of it: inspiring, aspirational, inclusive, urgent.

From Slate

The 39-year-old from the Isle of Man, who said on Saturday that this would be his final race before retirement, triumphed in a sprint finish to end a 19-year career.

From BBC

On a sprint weekend, there is a second closed window, from the start of sprint qualifying to the end of the sprint, after which the set-up can be changed before qualifying.

From BBC

Related Words

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