breaststroke

noun

breast·​stroke ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk How to pronounce breaststroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by coordinating a kick in which the legs are brought forward with the knees together and the feet are turned outward and whipped back with a glide and a backward sweeping movement of the arms
breaststroker noun

Examples of breaststroke in a Sentence

I'll be competing in the 50-meter breaststroke.
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.
Classical Academy junior Braden Guzman is poised to bid in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke after placing third in each a year ago. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025 Dougherty, a high honors student, was the Hockomock League champion in the 100-yard breaststroke and placed third in the 200-IM and finished as a school record-holder in all three relays. Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2025 O’Dell departs the high school ranks as the Orange County record holder in six of the event individual events: 50, 100 and 200 free, 200 IM, 100 back and 100 breaststroke (59.73). Dan Albano, Oc Register, 5 June 2025 Her accomplishments have included earning all As since sixth grade, an Academic Excellence Award and recognition for her improvements in swimming the 100 breaststroke. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for breaststroke

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaststroke was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Breaststroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaststroke. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

breaststroke

noun
breast·​stroke ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk How to pronounce breaststroke (audio)
: a swimming stroke performed by extending the arms in front of the head while drawing the knees forward and outward and then sweeping the arms back with palms out while kicking backward and outward

More from Merriam-Webster on breaststroke

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