What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sprinter
Example
The sprinter won the gold medal in the 100m race. [sprinter: noun]
Example
She sprinted to catch the bus before it left. [sprinted: past tense verb]
racer
Example
He is a professional bike racer and competes in races all over the world. [racer: noun]
Example
The two friends raced each other to the finish line. [raced: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Racer is more commonly used than sprinter in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts. However, sprinter is more commonly used in sports contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sprinter and racer?
Both sprinter and racer are relatively informal words, but sprinter may be slightly more formal due to its association with athletics and sports competitions.