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

Chisholm’s good glove: On Sunday, center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. made another great catch while sprinting full speed toward the wall. —Nick Cohen, Miami Herald, 2 June 2024

With the count at 0-1, Martinez smacked the ball into center field deep enough for Warner to sprint home from second to finally put an end to what could be the greatest NCS championship game in history. —Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 25 May 2024

Noun

Hawks say Beijing is in a sprint to match American economic and military production. —Massimo Calabresi / Washington, TIME, 4 June 2024

That race was just a few minutes before Mount Miguel sophomore Brandon Arrington completed his sprint sweep, equaling the section record of 20.55 in the boys’ 200. —Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 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