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

And in that moment, with the final minutes running down and the Trojans in need of one final knockout blow, here was Miller sprinting all alone, with only the roar of the Coliseum behind him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If the Australian wins the race - as he did the sprint before grand prix qualifying on Saturday - the title battle goes to the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

Read more on BBC

Piastri had cut Norris's lead in the championship to 22 points by winning the sprint race earlier in the day.

Read more on Barron's

Verstappen had struggled with his car in sprint qualifying and the sprint, complaining of bouncing.

Read more on BBC

Lando Norris could qualify only third for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix - on the weekend the McLaren driver could clinch the world title for the first time.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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