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 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

He made a sprint for the finish line.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Two people then get out of the SUV and sprint across the highway. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

This version can sprint up to 27 knots (31 mph or 50 km/h) and operate silently at around 12 knots (14 mph or 22 km/h) using electric drive. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026

Noun

In his mid-40s, LeVasseur began competing in distance running events and eventually expanded his repertoire to sprints, steeplechase, long jump and triple jump. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026

The difference this time around is there was no 17-4 sprint to the finish to inspire confidence heading into the postseason, nor the league’s fourth-best net rating touted in 2025. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 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

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