backstroke

noun

back·​stroke ˈbak-ˌstrōk How to pronounce backstroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke executed on the back and usually consisting of alternating circular arm pulls and a flutter kick
backstroker noun

Examples of backstroke in a Sentence

She got into the pool and began to do the backstroke. She won the 50-meter backstroke.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are sprints, passing drills… a few lengths of backstroke. Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Andrés was doing laps in the ocean—backstroke one way, breaststroke the other. Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025 Four of those belong to Smith, who placed second in the 50-meter backstroke, the 100-meter backstroke, the 200-meter backstroke and the 200-meter butterfly. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025 The 23-year-old is already an Olympic and two-time world champion in the 200m individual medley, which involves swimming a length of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle in the same race. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for backstroke

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstroke was in 1863

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstroke. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

backstroke

noun
back·​stroke -ˌstrōk How to pronounce backstroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward

More from Merriam-Webster on backstroke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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