# sprinter

/ˈspɹɪntɝ/ (US) · /spɹˈɪntɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sprinter
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

an athlete who runs very short distances at their fastest possible speed. You usually see them in races like the 100-meter dash.

For teachers: an athlete who competes in short-distance races at maximum speed. Refers specifically to those participating in events such as the 100m, 200m, or 400m dash.

## Examples

- The sprinter won the gold medal in the 100-meter race.
- Every Olympic sprinter spends years perfecting their explosive start from the blocks to gain a fraction of a second.
- While a marathon runner relies on aerobic endurance, a sprinter depends on anaerobic power and the rapid recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers to maintain peak velocity over a short duration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.