verb (used without object)
- to race or move at full speed, especially for a short distance, as in running, rowing, etc.
verb (used with object)
- to traverse in sprinting: to sprint a half mile.
noun
- a short race at full speed.
- a burst of speed at any point during a long race, as near the finish line.
- a brief spell of great activity.
verb (tr)
- to run faster than (someone)
noun
- athletics a short race run at top speed, such as the 100 metres
- a fast finishing speed at the end of a longer race, as in running or cycling, etc
- any quick run
verb (intr)
- to go at top speed, as in running, cycling, etc
v.1560s, “to spring, dart,” from Old Norse spretta “to jump up.” Meaning “to run a short distance at full speed” first recorded 1871. Related: Sprinted; sprinting. n.1865, from sprint (v.).