sprint

American  

[sprint] / sprɪnt /

verb (used without object)

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• outsprint verb (used with object)
• sprinter noun

Etymology

Origin of sprint

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”

Example Sentences

I pass him, sprinting down the gravel road.

From Literature

He sprints to the end of the dock.

From Literature

The children forgot Clare and ran, sprinting along the river, screaming and tripping and trying to save their small friend.

From Literature

It was the Kings’ most one-sided loss in more than a month, not exactly the way it wanted to start its final sprint to the postseason.

From Los Angeles Times

But Lloyd was about to sprint in the other direction.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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