sprint

1 of 2

verb

ˈsprint 

sprinted; sprinting; sprints

intransitive verb

: to run or go at top speed especially for a short distance

sprinter noun

sprint

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or an instance of sprinting

2

a

: dash sense 3b

b

: a burst of speed

Synonyms

Verb

• dash
• gallop
• jog
• run
• scamper
• trip
• trot

Examples of sprint in a Sentence

Verb

The bicycle racers sprinted for the finish line.

he sprinted off to class so as to avoid being late

Noun

He made a sprint for the finish line.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As soon as Villa turned the ball over, Cash sprinted forward, with his positioning comparable to a right-winger. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

Once the prisoner exchange is completed, the two groups will then sprint to join their companies on opposite sides of the stadium to watch the game. —Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024

Noun

Today’s market action was disappointing, though the above factors indicate China’s rally will be a grind higher rather than a sprint, which isn’t a bad thing. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

The members of Maryland's congressional delegation, including three who will soon retire, are in a last-minute sprint to secure full funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement before lawmakers leave for the holidays. —Candy Woodall, Baltimore Sun, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English (Scots) sprenten to spring, leap, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect sprinta to jump, hop; akin to Old High German sprinzan to jump up

First Known Use

Verb

1847, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sprint

• sprint car
• wind sprint

Kids Definition

sprint

1 of 2 verb

ˈsprint 

: to run at top speed especially for a short distance

sprinter noun

sprint

2 of 2 noun

1

: a short run at top speed

2

: a race over a short distance