verb
Uncommon
sped
spehd
Sped (verb) means past tense of "speed": moved quickly, or increased in speed. Example: “The ambulance sped through the red light with its sirens blaring.”
verb
1
Past tense of "speed": moved quickly, or increased in speed.
"The ambulance sped through the red light with its sirens blaring."
"Production sped up once the new machines arrived."
How to use sped
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe past-tense form of "speed" — went fast or made something go faster.
Common mistake
In casual slang, "sped" is sometimes used as a noun for a special-education student; this usage is widely considered offensive and should be avoided.
Common pairings
sped past
sped up
sped away
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Word forms
- Plural
- speds
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ambulance _____ through the red light with its sirens blaring.
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for sped
See all rhymes for sped →Frequently asked questions
What does “sped” mean?
The word “sped” means past tense of "speed": moved quickly, or increased in speed. In plain terms, the past-tense form of "speed" — went fast or made something go faster.
How do you pronounce “sped”?
“Sped” is pronounced spehd (/spɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “sped” in a sentence?
Here is “sped” used in a sentence: “The ambulance sped through the red light with its sirens blaring.”
What part of speech is “sped”?
“Sped” is a verb.
Is “sped” a common word?
“Sped” is an uncommon word in modern English.
