sprint

1 of 3

verb

ˈsprint 

sprinted; sprinting; sprints

intransitive verb

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

sprinter noun

sprint

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

: the act or an instance of sprinting

2

a

: dash sense 3b

b

: a burst of speed

sprinter

3 of 3

noun (2)

sprint·​er

-tə(r)

plural -s

: one that sprints

especially : one that competes in sprint races

a champion sprinter

Synonyms of sprint

Verb

• jog
• trot
• run
• race
• gallop
• speed

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 (1)

He made a sprint for the finish line.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

After controlling the ball twice with his head, Bouanga sprinted into the box and coolly lifted it over goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland and into the net. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 26 July 2026

In the seventh minute, Sonnett sprinted to challenge Pietra Tordin for the ball and seemed to make little contact before collapsing to the turf. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Noun

Cornucopian euthanized Cornucopian, the 6-5 favorite who suffered a catastrophic right front fetlock injury while moving forward in the Grade I six-furlong Bing Crosby sprint Saturday, was euthanized Sunday morning. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026

Though his lead was briefly cut to seven points by Jasper Philipsen after stage 18, Pedersen’s intermediate sprint wins over the next three days secured his green jersey. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026

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 (1)

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sprint

• sprint car
• wind sprint

Rhymes for sprint

• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• lint
• mint
• print
• quint
• quinte
• splint
• squint
• stint

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