stints

Stint is a noun referring to a period of time spent in a particular job, role, or activity. It is commonly used to denote a temporary assignment or posting, often in professional, public-service, or volunteer contexts. A two-year stint as a journalist, a short stint in government, or several stints abroad are common expressions.

As a verb, stint means to limit or restrict, or to be frugal with resources. It is typically used with "on" to indicate withholding something. For example, a government agency might stint on maintenance, or a company may stint on safety training due to budget pressures. The sense emphasizes restraint rather than purpose.

Usage notes: "stint" can describe a single period or a recurring sequence of periods, e.g., "three stints in the project" or "two stints in London." The plural "stints" refers to multiple such periods, as in "He had several stints abroad during his career." In journalism and the arts, a stint can also be a planned phase within a longer career.

Origins of the term lie in English usage with senses tied to limitation and assignment of duty, and its meanings have broadened over time to cover both the duration of service and the act of withholding resources.

See also: term, tenure, assignment, tour of duty, stinting.