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

Mercedes' George Russell won the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix after a frantic scrap in the early laps with Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari.

From BBC

“Reminders of Him” could use a little more swooning, a little less of the endless middle stretch of driving and talking, interrupted by wet sprints through thunderstorms.

From Los Angeles Times

Less than half an hour later - two members of the Iranian delegation sprinted across the lobby, and down a stairwell leading to the basement carpark.

From BBC

Whether they sprinted to the end or dragged themselves across the finish line, they were all so proud.

From Literature

But his absence drained England's energy and fuelled Italy's sprint finish.

From BBC

Related Words

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