What does sprint mean?
Sprint means to run or move very quickly over a short distance, as in a sprint race or an athlete's burst toward the finish line. As a noun, it can denote either the run itself or the short race in which speed is the main challenge. In informal and workplace contexts, the word also describes a sudden, intense effort to complete something before time runs out: a final sprint to finish a report, meet a deadline, or solve a problem. This figurative use conveys urgency, urgency-driven energy, and sometimes mild criticism when effort begins too late. The literal sense is neutral and common in sport, while the figurative sense often implies inadequate planning. A sprint is ordinarily brief, distinguishing it from a long run or a sustained increase in activity. The word is useful because it conveys concentrated speed and effort, whether physical, competitive, or metaphorical.
A short, rapid run at or near maximum speed; a race conducted over a relatively short distance; or a sudden burst of intense activity or effort.
"The runners completed the final sprint in a photo finish."
The figurative sense is informal and commonly denotes urgent activity undertaken with little time remaining.
To run or move very quickly for a short distance or period. Informally, to make a sudden, intense effort to finish a task or reach a goal.
"They sprinted to complete the application before the portal closed."
The verb can be intransitive, as in “sprint to the finish,” or transitive, as in “sprint the final hundred metres.”
The plural refers to separate short races or distinct bursts of speed or effort.
"The athletes trained for sprints before the championship."
One word covers both the runner's explosive burst and the office's last-minute scramble.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sprint come from?
The modern word entered English in the early nineteenth century for running at speed, after an earlier use meaning “to spray or spurt.” Its spelling and older senses have been connected with Old English sprengan, “to sprinkle or scatter,” a causative form of springan, “to leap or spring.” This relationship also places sprig, sprout, and sprinkle among its proposed cognates, although the precise ancestry of sprint is not entirely certain.
Related word forms
How sprint is actually used
The literal sporting and running senses are neutral in register. The extended sense of making a last-minute effort is common in informal speech and workplace contexts. Pronunciation and usage are broadly the same in British and American English.
Easily confused with sprint
A sprint is usually a brief period of fast running, whereas a spurt is a sudden increase in speed or effort that may continue for an unspecified time.