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.

---

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

---

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

Sonmez sprinted over to her and helped her walk over to the side of the court, where she received medical attention in the shade.

From BBC

It was Wollaston's third stage victory overall in the UCI World Tour opener and comes after her powerful sprint finish to claim Saturday's first stage in Willunga.

From Barron's

Then, she saw people sprinting down the street; some got in cars and skidded away while others pulled out their phones and began filming the agents.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Out of politeness, you extend this assumption even if you’ve seen the teller sprint for the sofa at family gatherings when the time comes to clear the table or grab a broom.

From Salon

Related Words

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