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

Jonathan Milan won a second straight sprint finish to take the fifth stage of the UAE Tour in Dubai on Friday.

From Barron's

But I think … my messaging this morning to the players was this is going to be a sprint, these last 28 games.

From Los Angeles Times

He has already previously said F1 is considering increasing the number of sprint events beyond the current six.

From BBC

In the space of two minutes Carrigan supported Ben Talty's line break to score and then Mariner sprinted past Lewis to bag another.

From BBC

Rapid uphill sprinting with skis on, lung-busting runs up steps with boots on and a downhill ski race to the finish line.

From BBC

Related Words

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