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

"I wasn't thinking about being a world champion, I just worked hard every single day. This is not a sprint. I like to think of it as a marathon."

Read more on BBC

Hamilton won the sprint race at the second grand prix of the season in China but has failed to land a podium finish this year.

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Three minutes after the first whistle, McTominay was sprinting to the home dugout after the goal of his career.

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I sprint after him with all my might.

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The fifth-year cornerback leapt high in full sprint with his hand stretched over his head to intercept a pass by Vikings quarterback J.J.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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