backstretch

noun

back·​stretch ˈbak-ˌstrech How to pronounce backstretch (audio)
: the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse

Examples of backstretch in a Sentence

The horses are in the backstretch.
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.
Into first turn, all the way up the backstretch and out of the final turn, down to the line. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2026 Now as the race approached the final backstretch, Serna was ready to pounce. — Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 On the final lap of the two-lap sprint, we were treated to some incredible three-wiener-wide racing down the backstretch. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 The casino said around 350 horses are usually housed in the backstretch area. — Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstretch

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstretch was in 1831

Rhymes for backstretch

See All Rhymes for backstretch

Browse Nearby Words

backstreet
backstretch
backstrip
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstretch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

backstretch

noun
back·​stretch -ˌstrech How to pronounce backstretch (audio)
-ˈstrech
: the side of a racetrack that is opposite the part between the last turn and the finish line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All